Diary of
MARY VICTORIA CAMPION
Hasting County, Canada West
1861-1863
Transcribed for Upper Canada Village from
the original held in the collection of the
Glenbow Museum.
Not to be distributed without permission.
www.uppercanadavillage.com
Note: In the Glenbow museum’s catalogue, Mary’s name is written as
“Mary Victoria Campian[sic]”. Their catalogue number for this item is
M-189. The original diary was moved to the University of Calgary
Library in 2019.
971.3041
Cl96
MARY VICTORIA, CAMPION
ilASTINGS CO. C•.W.
1861-1863
DIARY
THE DIARY OF
MARY VICTORIA CAMPION
MARMORA TOWNSHIP
HASTINGS COUNTY, c:. w.
Transcribed by: Louise Burchell
Prepared for: Harry Pietersma
March 16, 1990
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. The Diary
a) Description of Diary
b) How the Diary was Transcribed
c) Sample Diary Page
II. The Campion Family of Hastings County
a) William Campion
b) Thomas Campion
c) George Campion
III. Other Names Recorded in the Diary
IV. The Diary of Mary Victoria Campion; transcription
May 1861
January 1862
July 1863
page
3
4
5
6
8
9
11
74
120
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I. THE DIARY OF MARY VICTORIA CAMPION
a) Description of Diary
The diary of Mary Victoria Campion is in the Glenbow Museum,
Calgary, Alberta.
A card in the file reads; "Diary of Mary Victoria Campion,
Hastings, Ont. 1861. Mother of Mary Foulds, who became Mrs.
Fraser of Carstairs and Grandmother of Mrs. C.E. Stuart.' A
notation in pencil states the diary was donated in 1965.
The diary covers approximately 16 months from May 1861 to June
1862 and April - May of 1863. It is written in a 7 1/2" x 9'
hard-covered notebook with approximately 80 pages written on both
sides. The green marbleized cover has black binding and corner
tabs. Notes are "scribbled' on the inside front and back covers.
Pages of handwritten verse and a bill from Geo. Ritchie & Co. of
Belleville are inserted.
On one or two pages the diary entries are written over columns of
hand written figures.
Approximately a quarter of the diary is on blue paper that has
been ·hand-sewn into the back of the notebook.
Each page is written vertically, beginning at the left margin and
continuing to the right margin of the facing page. Consequently,
a few lines above and below the centre binding are crowded and
difficult to read.
Each day's date and text continues without a break in the lines
or spacing. No sentence punctuation is used. Sentences are
rarely capitalized. Days, names and nouns such as canoe,
carriage and town are generally capitalized.
The handwriting is very scrawly and the formation of letters
varies. letters formed with a stroke; such as, t, 1, g, Y, are
often extended one or two lines over other writing.
No consistent method is used at the end of page lines. Sometimes
a word is broken and continued on the next line or written UP or
down the margin. Frequently notations are added between the
lines.
Generally the spelling in the diary is correct. When the correct
spelling appears in the diary the word is usually spelt the same
thereafter. It is difficult to differentiate between incorrect
spelling and poorly formed letters. Generally, Mr., Mrs., and Wm.
all appeared to be written the same, half was a numerical figure
and etc. was "xxcc'1
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··-· - ·-·
·--···----··-------......--- ·- . , .. - -- -~-
b) How The Diary Was Transcribed
The diary was read onto tapes and then transcribed from the
tapes. Consequently spelling and capitalization will not appear
as it was in the original diary. Where possible illegible
script, unusual spelling and capitalization were noted.
To make the diary easier to read the dates have been separated
and some punctuation used. Notations inserted in between the
lines are in box [ ] brackets, illegible writing is shown with a
blank_ , words written in the transcription that look like
the original -are followed by (sic). Wherever brackets ( ) appear
they were in the original.
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c) Sample Diary Page
II. THE CAMPION FAMILY OF HASTINGS COUNTY, C.W.
a) Willliam Campion
Con. 3 Lot 25
Tilly Creek Farm
Marmora Township
His Wife: Mary
Religion: Wesleyan Methodist
8:
D: 09 March 1856
8: ca. 1805, Eng.
D: 01 August 1870
THEIR CHILDREN: 1861 AGE
1 . Thomas M: Ann Emil,::
2. Eliza Anne CAnnie) M: Wm. R. Parker
3. Maria
4. Richard 26
5. Ester 24
6. (Mary) Victoria 22
7. James Albert 20
8. Margaret (Maggie) 18
9. Joseph Wellington 13
(Josey)
In early records the family name is spelt both Campion and
Campian.
The family home at Tilly Creek was a two and one-half story stone
house built in 1834.
Eliza Anne was married to William Parker. Her father had willed
her a town lot in Trent Port (Trenton) but she and her husband
William lived in Stirling. In the diary Eliza Anne is referred
to as Annie. Two, William Parkers' are listed in the 1858
Directory for Stirling. One is a carpenter and the other a
contractor. In the diary Mary Victoria records that Annie and
William are moving into the tavern. The 1869 Directory lists
Mrs. William R. Parker as proprietor of the Stirling House.
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Maria, the second oldest daughter was married and living in the
area. She and her children often visit.
In the 1860 Directory for Marmora Township Richard was listed as
a Township Councillor. In the 1861 Census he is listed as
residing at home. In May of that year he left for Wyoming. No
reason was given for his leaving.
Living at home with their Mother in 1861 were Esther, Mary
Victoria, Margaret and Joseph. In the diary Margaret is referred
to as Maggie and Joseph as Josey.
Mary Victoria rarely mentions her Mother in the diary. She would
have been about 56 years old at that time. It seems that the
Mother ran the household. However, what work, if any, she did is
never mentioned. She died August 1, 1870 at Tilly creek Farm,
Marmara, aged 65 years - e months. ·
Sources:
DIED•
..U 'fllfJ Creek farm, lfatmora, <10 TaelollkJ
fllC.ll .U.., X...r. r.Jlet ot die lat.e Wlllllft
CUI'*"" l:lcJ. .......e5 flUl'l u4 8 aonUMt.
Daily Intelligencer, Belleville, 01 August 1870
1861 Census for Marmara Township
1861 Directory for Marmora Township
The Will of William Campion
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b) Thomas Campion, farmer
Son of William & Mary
Concession 3, Lot 25
Beaver Creek
Marmora Township
Religion: Wesleyan Methodist
THEIR CHILDREN: 1861
1 . James
2. Mary L.
3. Richard E.
4. George R.
5. Elizabeth A.
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His Wife
AGE
1) Ann Emily
8: ca. 1832
D: 01 June 1861
Thomas, the oldest son, was married and lived on his own farm at
Beaver creek in a one-story log house, on Lot 25, Concession 3.
In 1861, he was about 38 years old.
c)
Hastings Chronicle, June 1, 1861
George Campion
Con. 5, Pt. Lot 21
Marmora Township
His Wife
Religion: Wesleyan Methodist
8: ca. 1831, Can.
THEIR CHILDREN:
1. Thomas W.
2. David or Daniel
3. George
1861 Age
10
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6
Mercy
What relation George Campion's family is or whether they are
mentioned in the diary is unclear.
Sources: 1861 Census Marmora Township, the Will of William
Campion
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III. NAMES AND PLACES RECORDED IN THE DIARY
The names Peter , Esther Ann and Eliza appear in the diary in
connection with the family and farm. However, nothing is known
about these people.
In the diary, Mary Victoria often writes about Mr. Fowlds - Fowls
- Foulds, of Hastings. The spelling of the name varies. Later
she writes of Henry or Harry. Most likely this the same person.
Apparently, Mary Victoria eventually married Mr. Fowlds.
The 1870 - 71 Directory for Hastings gives listings for the
following names recorded in the diary:
Blacklock John C., woollen factory
Fowlds Brothers, storekeepers and lumber merchants
Fowlds Henry, postmaster
Fowlds Henry M., lumber merchant
Fowlds James S., of Fowlds Bros. reeve of Percy
Fowlds William J.F., of Fowlds Bros.
Sharpe John, storekeeper
The 1860 - 61 Directory for Marmora Township provides information
on the following names noted in the diary:
Bowen, G.D., J.P., postmaster, Marmora
Broadworth, Issac, sen. J.P. yeoman, Con. 1, Lot 3
Broadworth, Issac, jr., yeoman, Con. 7, Lot 4
Crawford, John, yeoman, Con. 7 Lot 13
Devlin, John, yeoman, Forsyth St. ,Marmora
Downey, Andrew, yeoman, Con. 7, Lot 12
Downard, John, yeoman, Con. 7, Lot 15
Places:
The Works refers to the village of Marmora. Hastings,
Belleville, Trenton, Bridgewater, Stirling and Percy are all in
the same district.
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DIARY TRANSCRIPTION
MARY VICTORIA CAMPION
HASTINGS COUNTY, C.W.
May Wednesday 1861
snowing a little this morning very cold for May day. May wind is
blowing very hard & very cold.
Wednesday 1st. We got to Stirling last night at sundown very
tired but is Richard, Archie (sic), Nancy, Annie
& I walked down to the village after tea. Get back at 11 Oclock.
Did not go to bed till two Oclock. Richard & Archie (sic)
did not go to bed at all. They left for Trenton at I
never felt so sorry as I did to see them go poor fellows they
seemed so down hearted. They could scarcely speak when they left
they felt so bad about going away. Nancy John (sic) & I went down
to the village after breakfast. I got a new Poresul (sic)
and Pr new gloves a hair brush gardineake (sic) several small
little after 11. Spent a very pleasant afternoon. [ I have felt
very miserable all day several illegible words ]
Took a walk up to the new Church with Mr. Preston he does not
look well at all. Got my Boots mended at Finches. [ inseft
illegible] Hamilton walked up as far as the gate with us very
cold day I wore my winter cloak shawl & fur rotten cold for May
day. Got home at dark nearly frozen the wind at a great rate.
Esther received a letter from Maria (sic). [Annie came home with
me and baby Charlotte & Agnes]. I had a Waverly given to me I
went to bed as soon as I gobbled (sic) supper feel almost sick.
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Thursday 2nd. quite busy today. Cleaned out two bedrooms put up
a new bedstead in the parlor bedroom & put the other in Richards
room & fitted it up very nice. Froze my hand last night. Lovely
day today quite
Friday 3rd. Maggie went to the Works in the morning with Esther.
She did not come home with her. [Albert sowed peas this
afternoon the first. Maggies birthday] Digging in the garden
most of the day. I received a paper from Susan Andrews, Esther
two papers & book & a letter from Whitmarsh (sic). [Albert
commenced sowing today sowed peas] I feel very lonely tonight
not my several illegible words Sew today
Saturday 4th. busy in the forenoon cleaning floors ____ after
dinner Angus Bentley came home with Maggie. Got dinner for them
several illegible words
Esther took tea at E
making pies getting tea xxcc & Annie &
We took a walk as far as farms
----
(sic) in the evening. A very lovely day & evening quiet night.
Angeline gave a nice slip of the fusia (sic). A lovely sunset
tonight.
Sunday 5th. a lovely day. Esther & I walked out with Angeline
in the forenoon. [Maggie & Josie went to hear Adam preach] [a
lovely day] Took dinner at Bowers. Went to Church at 4.
[received a book from Richard] came home alone. I never cryiyed &
walked as much in a lorig time as I did coming home at dusk. Very
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lonely. Mr. Preston preached a good sermon. Harriet Devlin took
dinner with us I never liked her so well as today. Annie (sic)
was in bed when we got home she had a bad headache all day.
Monday 6th. sewing at my drawers a little. Raining when we got
up cleared up after breakfast. Commenced to rain very fast again
at milking time. John Jenkinson digging the garden. Saw a great
blaze of fire out at the Works do not know what it was burning
though.
Tuesday 7th. it rained very hard all last night & almost all
day. E & I washing. Two pedlars here to dinner bought two tin
pails from them kept us back with our work though (sic) all day.
Not anytime to sit (sic) I feel so lonely tonight without
Richard. Peter came from the Works and brought a paper for me
from Richard. Esther got one from Aggie Potts.
Wednesday 8th. raining this morning yet a miserable looking day.
Esther is quite sick this morning did not get up till after ten
not much time to sew several illegible words & bluing
clothes. Esther in bed sick all day. Albert busy sowing.
Thursday 9th. Oh, what a lovely day the first pleasant day since
Sunday. Doing housework most of the time working in the garden a
little. Helping Albert to clean up oats. Esther is working a
little this afternoon the first since the day before yesterday.
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I feel very lonely today I ought to be ashamed to say so such a
lovely day but I can't help it. Thos. Campion was here all night
he got a paper out of the office for me
sent my locket with with Richards
Archie Johns he
~~~~ likeness in.
Friday 10th. Maggie & I went up to the Works with Thomas in the
waggon. Walked home. Maggie Bentley came home with us I was
very tired when I got home.
Saturday 11th. rained all night last night fine afternoon though
finished my drawers do not feel very well tonight [Annie been
here one week] William Parker (sic) came here in a buggie about
1/2 past ten we were just going to bed. Got him supper
Sunday 12th. lovely morning cloudy in the afternoon. After
dinner William & Annie went home Albert & Esther went through the
woods with them I walked as far as the woods with Maggie Bentley
(sic). Maggie & Esther several illegible words do not feel
well I have such a bad cold Mother of the
afternoon do not feel lonely though. The ground is quite wet
yet after the rain. Maggie Bentley & I walked over as far as
Johan Lymans (sic) in the morning sleeping in the afternoon about
an hour and a half
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Monday 13th. I got a letter from Richard. He is in Wyoming
Maggie received a paper from Archie. Quite dull looking all day
raining quite fast at tea time quite chilly (sic) there has been
scarcely any weather yet not any I might say & it is just 13th
May. Two years since Crooks left. Very disagreeable night.
Esther answered Richards letter. Maggie sent a paper to Archie
Johns. I intend sending a paper to Richard tomorrow several
illegible words §Q. lonely digging in the garden all the forenoon
feel very tired tonight went to bed early
Tuesday 14th. E & I washing today very large washing ____ a
cold raw day high wind. Peter went to the Works after tea. He
took a paper to Richard one to Archie a letter to Richard Minnie
and Whitmarsh. Hemmed the collar (sic) of my muslin dress [put a
tuck in my petticoat] after I got done washing. Albert is sowing
wheat on the hill over the Creek. The grass is getting quite
green. I do wish somebody would come I feel so lonely (had a
very singular dream last night I dreamed about a ring I thought I
got it in a letter & it was very pretty one with a cubic (sic) in
it & such a long letter I did not get it all read before I woke
up, too bad. Oh, the kings are making noise tonight)
Wednesday 15th. very busy ironing all the forenoon. Digging in
the garden in the afternoon. I went down in the field & got a
barnagillard (sic) trees planted them (sic) in the garden
Planting beets, xxcc. A lovely day looks like summer for the
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first I might say commenced raining quite fast at dark I feel iiQ
tired
Thursday 16th. raw wind this morning cold all day. All day
digging in the garden & ironed the starched clothes in the
forenoon. Esther had all the furnishings (sic) out of the Parlor
when I got done so we were very busy white washing took up the
carpet, cleaning woodwork. Working at it till dark did not get
it finished though feel very tired tonight & lonely just
~~- writing Albert Campion (sic) from Uncle Issacs Esther~~
had brought one paper from the Work. Esther got a letter from
Minnie Potts & Albert got a card from Stirling inviting us to a
Crickyt Ball there on May 24th the Queens Birthday. Makes me feel
curious all over when I think of it after ten when when we went
to bed.
Friday 17th. very cold this morning. We had a little flurry of
snow this morning very strange weather for May I think. Finished
the parlor this forenoon cleaning the dining covers after dinner.
We are all almost tired out tonight. I went with Maggie for the
cows Maggie went to for all I am so tiered I planted some sweet
pea today. It has been cloudy all day the boys finished sowing,
plowing & dragging over the Creek tonight I wish somebody would
come here cold tonight yet.
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Saturday 18th. scrubbing making pies & sewing (sic) a little in
the afternoon quite chilly today
Sunday 19th. looks a great deal like rain all day rained a little
in the evening after dinner Albert Maggie & Josie went out to
the Works to Church. Mr. Preston came home with in the evening
he looks very bad his eyes are very red he says he has got a very
bad cold he acts like a goose nothing interests him but when you
talk about him. Mother's cough is very bad
Monday 20th. Cloudy all day. Mr. Preston left at 8 Oclock he
had to get back at 12 to burey Miss Corby (sic) she died on the
18th after a very short illness. [Planted the flower seeds
today] Esther went out to the Works with Albert in the waggon
she is going to Stirling in the stage tomorrow lovely moonlight
night
Tuesday 21st. What a lovely morning quite cool though. Quite
warm (sic) in the afternoon. Making a jacket for myself
Wednesday 22nd. Esther is away & we have all the work to do 12
cows to milk xxcc. lovely Charming beautiful day not a cloud to
be seen cleaned the floor in the morning very in the
rest of the day I feel very lonely down hearted today Albert
finished sowing today. Maggie spent the afternoon at Esther
Annes I would like a ride on horseback so much
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Thursday 20th. Maggie & I washing after we finished I went to
the Works on horseback took Charley horse first time I ever rode
him. I like him very well beautiful day for riding took tea at
Mr. B got 2 papers one letter & a likeness for Esther from
E.G. w. a letter for Maggie from Norman Brside (sic) got Maggie
a new gingham dress & a pair of Boots I had such a nice ride all
alone by myself felt very tired when I got home did not go to bed
till late though being reading letters & things
Friday 24th. the Queens birthday the boys have all gone to the
Works to train Maggie with Mother at home all day alone
several illegible words the flies & mosquitoes are very thick
tonight very busy ironing done it all today starching too. Very
bad pain between my shoulders tonight. Work too hard I suppose
it can't be helped we can't get a girl to help. I would like to
see Richard so much tonight it does seem so lonely without him at
night to tell us the news I feel quite stiff
today after my ride yesterday a very lonesome looking sight
tonight the wind is blowing and the sky is very black I would
like so much to see some of my friends tonight but am doomed to
be disapointed. One year today since heard of Mrs. Prestons
death. Oh, hardships how have we changed since last of
May. Mr. P. is engaged to be married again to Minnie Potts such
changes in one year. I wonder what all will be doing next year
this time today. Esther is at Stirling. Richard at Wyoming.
Albert at the Works. Mother Maggie & I at home the boys
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did not get home until after dark late.
Saturday 25th. I cleaned both upstairs & down before dinner
[Thundered Lightening & rain last night] sewing at my jacket in
the afternoon a lovely day & nice moonlight night the moon rose
at 10 Oclock the black flies & mosquitoes are very thick tonight
Esther Ann & Richard came over & spent the evening with us I sent
a paper to Esther th evening
Sunday 27th. a beautiful day but very lonely Albert went away
after dinner & the rest of them all asleep I had a little nap
before dinner. How beautiful the sky looks I took a walk around
the fields all alone did not feel very lonesome either everything
is so still cannot hear anything sti,ring only the wind blowing a
little I have been reading most of today quite cloudy when we
were milking raining very hard at 9 Oclock at night
Monday 27th. a very disagreeable day ~J:.2'.. cold & very high wind
all day blowing down trees fences & in fact almost everything
that it is possible to blow down. Very cold at night t boys
have to wear there overcoats & knits. Raining & snbwing all day
& such a miserable day. I finished my jacket today hemmed a
at night. Felt miserable all day. Have to keep on fires tonight
it is so cold
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Tuesday 28th. Maggie & I done the washing cleaned the floor &
got dinner ready in the forenoon sewing at the other dress in the
afternoon. Walked over as far as Esther Anns had to wear a thick
woolen shawl it is so cold. Albert went to the Works brought me
a letter from Esther she says she is coming (sic) home on
Saturday. I feel not very well.
Wednesday 29th. cold yet and cloudy working in the garden a
little ironing in the afternoon. There is a beautiful rose on
the rose bush this morning beautiful weather for working
several illegible words
Wednesday 29th. lovely day after 2 Oclock left for Downard (sic)
on horseback to see if I could get Eliza to come & work she
cannot come on account of her Mother having a ~-~ so I
had my long ride for nothing. Came home by the Works got 2
letters for Esther one from Minnie & the other from E.G.W. I
got home in time for milking but almost tired out such a long
ride of 12 miles
Thursday 30th. beautiful grand day quite windy though I feel
very tiered & stiff today blowing (sic) all the forenoon .. Washed
my calico dress picked a fowl & several other things [ironed all
the starched] busy ironing all the afternoon
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Friday 31st. a lovely day the boys washed the sheep this
afternoon. I do feel so miserable today cleaned all upstairs
though doing housework in the morning working in the garden a
little. Peter went to the Works with butter [7 1/2 per lb]
brought one home. illegible sentence a set of Crinoline but I
do not like them I intend sending them back again tomorrow. Oh,
such long dull lonesome days all this week I cannot say I feel so
very lonesome but very dull & miserable
June Saturday 1861
Saturday 1st. Windy day but I feel quiet & dull. Cleaning in
the forenoon in the afternoon not doing much of anything. I feel
so unsettled. Maggie went to the Works on horse back after we
got milking done (sic) (I milked six cows) I went for a walk as
far as the woods to meet Maggie met her & Esther & Elizabeth.
Hamilton brought her home in a very nice buggy got his tea ready
just after dark William & Annie (sic) came to tell us about poor
Emily's death such a start it came as she died at 4 Oclock today
poor Thomas what will he do with all those children. Esther & I
did not go to bed until 1/2 past 1 Oclock so much to talk about
she brought me home a new dress & hat
Sunday 2nd. Albert started for Bridgewater (sic).Josey for
Stirling to tell them about her death such changes in this world
last Sunday morning Emily was in Stirling at Annies [on Saturday
she died] she is dead. Oh dear, what will poor Thomas do. several
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illegible ,,.;ords .. Mother & I started for Beaver Creek. Hamilton
took me as far as Mrs. Johnsons then I went the rest of the way
with Mother. Bill Minchen (sic) drove we never got there until 3
Oclock then almost tiered out. The roads were fearfully bad
showering (sic) all the time till night. !n the evening Iowna
(sic) & Mary Ann came. I was very glad to see them I was so
lonely all alone before they came then we did not go to bed till
after 3 Oclock
all night]
several illegible words [pouring down again
Monday 3rd. Raining all the forenoon not any rain in the
afternoon but very windy the funeral sermon was preached about 2
Oclock by Mr. Preston the text was the 5th Chapter of the General
Espistal of James & the 11th verse very good sermon more came
home soon after the funeral James Downing Mr. B the
Misses Comer (2 of them) Mr. Hamilton & Mr. Preston came home
with us & stopped all night 9 of them quite a houseful
Tuesday 4th. they all left about 10 Oclock we never got along so
well with so many visitors before they all tease so much about
Hamilton but I do not like him at all. Very tiered all day did
not do much but trim my hat all the after. Maggie went up to
Town to keep house for him with Elizabeth Downing
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Wednesday 5th. Esther & I commenced the washing got all the
white clothes done & had to leave because John & Fanny Crawford &
Miss Grant came got here before 10 Oclock they stayed till after
tea we had a very pleasant visit I like Miss Grant very much
Thursday 6th. Esther & I finished the washing not doing much of
'
anything working in the garden we are so busy have not got time
to sit (sic) now at all [a lovely day]
Friday 7th. Esther busy ironing was getting the wool ready for
to take to Belleville made Bread & buns before dinner sewing at
Mothers dress a little in the afternoon very pleasant day quite
cloudy we were all invited to a picnic down the river today but
did not go
Saturday 8th. busy all day with house work Albert went to the
Works got a paper for Maggie from Archie Esther got 2 papers from
E.G.W. Very warm day
Sunday 9th. very hot day almost suffocating not a breath of air
Albert went up to Thomases in the morning did not get home till
after ten. Oh, such a long day we got up before 5 Oclock & did
not think it would ever get bedtime I had a long sleep before 11
Oclock in the morning in the afternoon Esther Elgin (sic) & I
walked over as far as Esther Anns & then she went with us as far
as Liggetts After a short time there then came home got tea &
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done the done the milking. Oh, such a lovely day Albert brought
a letter for Esther from Elizabeth Downing the poor girl was so
lonely up there after we went to bed
Monday 10th. very hot today yet looks like rain tonight Mother &
Albert started th afternoon for Belleville with the wool we are
so lonely without them. The mosquitoes & black flies are very
thick tonight. I finished Mothers dress tonight. I am so glad
we are so busy all the time scarcely time to do my sewing
Tuesday 11th. Esther & I white washing the kitchen did not get
done till tea time quite tired & the cows to milk, calves to
feed, dishes to wash all to do after we got done. A very warm
day in the bargain. We did not go to bed till after 11 waiting
for Josey to come home from the Works. He did not come till 12 he
got a letter for me from Minnie & one for Esther 2 papers for
Esther one from Aggie one from E.G.W.
Wednesday 12th. nice & cool this morning. I cut out the waist
for my muslin dress sewing at it a little. Esther Ann took
dinner with us stopped till 4 Oclock just at tea time so 5 Oclock
Mother & Albert came home & they got us such a lot of things we
were so excited all the evening. We did not go to bed till 11
Oclock. Albert had his likeness taken for me a very good one
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Thursday 13th. Esther & I washing in the forenoon sewing a
little in the afternoon. Beautiful cool day looks very much like
frost tonight the woods look beautiful
after night
trimmed Maggies hat
Friday 14th. dull looking day busy ironing all day. I picked
plums for tea the first. Making the skirt of my Calico dress
after tea & Thomas Campion came here he brought Maggie home we
were glad to see them. Poor man he feels so bad about Emilys
death we did not go to bed till after 11
Saturday 15th. Cloudy all day. Thomas left about 10 Oclock
Maggie stopped at home & Esther went instead. I feel so lonely
this evening not well either. Trimmed Esthers hat before she
left. Cleaned the floor up stairs & down made pies & Cake done
very little sewing though. It rained fearfully for a couple of
hours in the afternoon Thunder & Lightening too it will do a
great deal of good. Fearful lightening after dark it was very
frightening we all went in the cellar so we would not see it.
Sunday 16th. lovely day quite cool though such a long lonesome
of strawberries
afternoon we went to the.lower Barn & got a ---
~- Albert Maggie Eliza Esther Ann & I ---- a good part of
the day. The evening was so very long I expected somebody & they
did not come so I was disapointed went to bed very early just at
dark
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Monday 17th. a quite cold morning but very bright. Maggie Eliza
& Josey have gone to school this morning so Mother & I are all
alone sewing a little
Tuesday 18th. sewing most of the day at my dress went for a walk
got a nice lot of stawberries on the other farm. Mr. Hamilton
Mr. Young (sic) stayed here all my but this has been a
lonely day. l did not go to bed till after 11 Oclock I was
reading [insert illegible]
Wednesday 19th. warmer today Maggie & I washing got it done &
the floor cleaned just (sic) past 2 Oclock I feel very drowsey &
stupid though. I wish somebody would come it is so lonesome
here. At 3 Oclock it is raining very fast [did not look like
rain at seven] came on so sudden fearful thunder & lightening at
milking time spent the evening here knitting a
little after night the alt feels much cooler since the rain
Thursday 20th. a lovely day mosquitoes are very thick though I
picked a few strawberries in the afternoon going to preserve them
Albert went to the Works after dinner to hear Mr. Benjamin's
speech. Oh, what a beautiful day but I do feel so lonesome I
don't know what to do with myself. I ought to be ashamed to say
so when the woods & fields look so lovely & green. If there was
only someone here to enjoy it with me. Made myself a pair of
crape sleeves they look very pretty just three weeks since
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Emily's death & it really seems more than twice as long as that.
Oh, what changes in a few months or I might say weeks 4 weeks ago
she was in good health now she leaves a dear husband & five small
children to mourn her loss. Dear only knows what will become of
them ~~~ things they do not know their loss yet
Friday 21st. doing a little of everything finished my calico
dress quite late when I went to bed
Saturday 22nd. very busy all day cleaned up stairs & down picked
gooseberries made pies & several other things not worth
mentioning. Kate had a cold today it is very weak. Beautiful
day. Eliza & I went for the cows had quite a nice walk. I feel
tiered tonight we bought 5 tin dishes from a pedlar today. I do
not feel so lonely today I Esther has been gone one
week & it really seems more like one month
Sunday 23rd. raining quite fast when I got up but cleared off
about 9 got mild & cool about 11 Eliza & Albert & I went to the
lower field to get berries got as many as we could eat & a bowl
full besides did not get back till 1 Oclock had such a nice
ramble about the fields after dinner I thought I would take a
little nap & just as I had laid down who should come but joe &
Johnny Richardson & Mr. Chambers they stopped till~ Oclock just
Mother Albert Eliza & I for both dinner & tea. I spent a pleasant
day though with the excepting of about three hours in the
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afternoon I went to bed quite early very cool in the evening
Monday 24th. a lovely day Maggie & I washing in the forenoon
went down to feed the little colt 3 times bit (sic) a piece to
the~~ of my riding skirt in the afternoon. I feel very tired
tonight I am sure Mother Maggie are too. Albert Peter & Robert
are working on the roads & we are all alone till evening.
William & Richard Broadworth spent the evening here I do not feel
lonesome tonight at all
Tuesday 25th. got up early & started for Thomas Campions 1/2
past 7 got there a little after ten stopped till nearly·~~- to
Johns to tea. Came home by the Works got home Just dark. [ Josey
shot the little colt today] I enjoyed the ride very much through
the woods all alone. Very warm day there was 3 letters in the
office for Esther one from Aggie Minnie & Annie but I did not
take them out.
Wednesday 26th. I feel quite stiff this morning after I got the
work done I thought I would see if I could get after
strawberries. Had not been out long when a thunder storm came up
& I got a great ducking (sic) it rained very fast for about 2
hours the sun is shining very bright now 1 Oclock just Mother & I
for dinner the children have gone to school. The boys are
working on the roads (sic) busy ironing in the afternoon.
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Thursday 27th. wrote to Minnie Potts cut out my muslin dress
sewing a good part of the day
Friday 28th. doing house work in the forenoon in the afternoon
Eliza & r went down the lower field to pick strawberries got a
nice lot of them, preserved them after tea. Quite warm today.
Josey went to Stirling this afternoon in the buggy. I have got
the waist of my dress almost done. I feel tired tonight & rather
lonely
Saturday 29th. very busy all day cleaning, making pies, cakes &
xxcc. Finished my dress so I could wear it to Church. Esther
often looks low with us. Josey got home at 2 Oclock he brought
the side saddle
Sunday 30th. at home till 2 Oclock sleeping part of the time &
then Albert Josey Maggie Esther Ann & I went out to Church looks
very much like rain. Albert & I took tea at Bentleys had
strawberries & shortcake. We started for home right after tea.
Mr. Preston walked out with us it rained a good part of the way
home. I did not feel tired after my walk at all we were quite
wet too
29
July 1 1861
Monday 1st. cloudy all day Mr. Preston left a little after 10 he
wanted me to go with him to Beaver Creek very bad I am sorry I
could not go but we have so much work to do I could not leave a
lovely day for riding too so cool not doing much of anything do
not feel well at all almost sick
Tuesday 2nd. raining steady all day. Maggie and I washing very
large washing today. I cleaned the floor Maggie did not feel
well went to bed feel very lonely this evening I wish Esther was
home again. We have a great deal of work to do, 12 cows to milk,
churning making butter and all the housework besides
for a girl to do the work.
Wednesday 3rd. Albert & Maggie went to a bee at Abe McCallums.
I was very busy ironing so many clot this week. After tea
Abby Eliza & ! started for Belleville got to Stirling 1/2 past 11
quite tired
Thursday 4th. We started for Belleville very early for to~~~
I know very hot day we took dinne1· & tea at Anson Andrews went to
the Show in the evening I went with Me,still (sic) a great many
there after it was over we went up to Donele (sic) Reads we had a
very good time [Albert got 1S pounds of sugar for one dollar)
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Friday 5th. We intended starting early in the morning but they
wanted us so m~ch to stay we did not leave till after dinner they
have got such a lovely place. We got to Stirling at sundown
completely tired out went to bed early [very warm day] [I had my
likeness taken I think it a very good one]
Saturday 6th. started at 7 Oclock for home got home at 12
stopped at the Works & I got the paper I got a Waverly. Albert
is almost tired out he is not well this afternoon. I was very
busy after I got home cleaned upstairs, made cakes, pies and
tarts worked the churn once I milked & a
quantity of other things not worth mentioning. A warm sultry
day. I feel very stupid this evening quite glad to get home
again. 10 Oclock just ready for bed when Esther came from Beaver
Creek and Whitney (sic) is with her. I was glad to see them. I
felt so lonely so we did not go to bed till after 1 Oclock.
Spent a very pleasant evening
Sunday 7th. very hot day. We all took a walk
lower field got a good feed of strawberries. Esther and W (sic)
left after 2. She went as far as Mrs. Johns. Albert & I went as
far as ~~~~~~~- old place with them. I like Whitm~ (sic)
very much
31
Monday 8th. almost suffocating in the forenoon got a little
cooler after dinner. Maggie & I washing in the forenoon. I did
not feel much like it though after tea Maggie went to the Works
to take Elizas things out. 6 Oclock raining quite fast and
thundering looks very much like a stormy night clearing and it is
a beautiful evening after I got done milking took a walk as far
as the maple tree to meet Maggie she brought me a letter from
Minnie Potts & one for Esther several ille9lble words I am so
glad to get a letter Maggie told me someone was coming so I
hurried home & saw Harriet Devlin, Angeline (sic) Bentley and
Whitmarsh coming across the fields I was glad to see them but it
made so much more work we did not go to bed till nearly 12 Oclock
not doing much but talk and to dance a little (sic) Angeline wore
a dress almost white low necked and short sleeved she looks
frightful in it.
Tue8day 9th. it looked like rain.in the morning but a lovely
afternoon. They left at 9 Oclock in a hurry to get home because
it is Election Day. I went as far as Liggetts Hill with them &
came back across the creek got a nice lot of raspberries the
first this season. Cut out the waist of Maggies dress in the
afternoon felt miserable too
Wednesday 10th. Albert went out to the Election. I was very
tired at night. I was ironing all day done a great deal of
starching too. Had a nice ramble about the fields after the cows
32
at night & went out as far as the School House to
to a very hot day
Thursday 11th. of July. raining constantly all day quite cold
too had to make a fire in the house. I was very busy sewing at
Maggies dress made it all today commenced it and finished it she
wanted to wear it to the Works tomorrow
Friday 12th. Mother & I alone all day they all went out to the
12th. I picked some berries & made pies. I cleaned upstairs I
was very busy all day went for a walk in the evenirig met Thomas
(sic) & 2 of the children coming in the waggon got their suppers
for them waited up till eleven for the rest to come home but they
did not come till one in the morning [very cloudy all day]
Saturday 13th. very busy cleaning about 11 Oclock Maggie came
home & Whitmarsh with her got dinner about three W & I
went for berries got back in time to get tea. He left at sundown
a lovely day this has been
Sunday 14th. a lovely morning in the house till after dinner
then Albert & I went out to the Works to Church. Took tea at
Harriet Devlins. She is a miserable house keeper, I think. Came
home soon after tea got as far as the School House stopped to
Meeting. A Mr. Rose (sic) preached a great sermon I should think
33
Monday 15th. got up a little after four done up the work then
started to the Works on horseback went to see Jim Sagers (sic)
married great many there Mr. Preston married him. Took dinner at
Mr. Banns (sic) then we started (Mr. Preston & I ) for Beaver
Creek got there 1/2 past 4. We had a very good time at night.
Esther had a bad toothache all night [commenced to pain very
hard] we did not go to bed till after 12. Spent a very pleasant
day although never saw Mr. Preston act nicer
Tuesday 16th. We all got up at five could not sleep after
break Mr. Preston to bed again. We left 9 got to the
Works 1'~ past 12 stopped at Mrs. Johnsons tiered laid down a
short time before tea felt much better after. Went to bed at
dark never woke till 1/2 past 5 in the morning slept very sound
Wednesday 17th. I felt very miserable all the forenoon very busy
though cleaned the floors got dinner ready made beds swept washed
dishes & churning after dinner I laid down for a short time felt
very miserable after I got up I was going out to pick currants
and who should I meet at the door but Whitmarsh he stayed till
after tea had quite a pleasant chat with him
Thursday 18th. washing till after 2 Oclock then Josey & I went
to pick berries got 5 quarts & got back in time to get tea ready
commenced milking when we were milking it commenced to
thunder lightening & rain hard I feel well tonight but very tired
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Albert started this afternoon to look for a girl I wish he was
home for it is raining very hard & I am so frightened he will
take cold for he is not well at all rained fearfully at bedtime
Friday 19th. making pies [9 of them] cakes getting dinner ready
after dinner busy ironing till tea time keeps us working all the
time cleaned upstairs & the steps have been very busy all day
illegible sentence a lovely day Josey has started to the Works I
hope he will get me a letter for I feel lonely tonight Albert got
home to breakfast we expected Maggie & Josey at noon & they are
not here & it black thundering turning hot again
Saturday 20th. very busy had all the cleaning to do myself as
Maggie did not get home till after dinner being all day doing one
thing & another after tea Albert & I took a notion to go to the
Works on horseback & got as far as the Iclead (sic) House met
Esther & Whitmarsh coming. E. riding (sic) on horseback & W.
walking we had to turn back felt a little disapointed got tea for
them spent the evening very pleasantly & did not go to bed till
after 1 Oclock
Sunday 21st. a lovely day. After breakfast Esther Whitmarsh &
Josey & I took a walk as far as the little Falls
hunters. W. bought 4 guarts of huebul (sic) berries
from them to eat. We had a nice time eating them by the river.
Got back at 1 Oclock & got a lunch then Esther started for Beaver
35
(sic) Creek. Albert went as far as Briggs with her we took a
long walk around the fields did not get back till after five.
Feel very tired after walking so much. John McCarin (sic) was
here all day it made it disagreeable for us all. several
illegable words We spent a very pleasant & quiet evening just
Whitmarsh. We went to bed after 11 very tired
Monday 23rd. lovely morning but Mother is very cross. Whitmarsh
left at 10 Oclock. I am sure he would have stopped longer if we
had asked him. I like him very well & wish he is here but he is
so wild when he is at the Works. Mother & I very busy all day.
Maggie & Josey picking berries got 16 quarts in the afternoon. I
wrote a long letter to Richard after tea I took it to the Post
Office got a note in the Post Office from E.G.W. I saw him then
too. Oh, it is a lovely place at the Works was glad to get home
again was going for a I rode and felt very tired
when I got home [I had quite a chat with E.G.W. stopped at
Bentleys door for a few moments]
Tuesday 23rd. quite cool Maggie & I washing very ----- this
week. I feel quite sick laid down for a short time then went to
pick berries got 5 quarts (sic) showering in the afternoon my
throat feels quite sore tonight & head aches a little
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Wednesday 24th. my housework always not done my sewing for more
than a week. In the evening Maria came & the little baby.
Esther Anne came over with her carried the baby
Thursday 25th. very busy ironing all day done it all & all of
the starching five shirts besides collars xxcc. Maria left
at 2 Oclock. Maggie took her as far as the Works on horseback.
I have been almost sick could not speak above my breath all day
so hoarse. I received a paper from J. H. Irving this has been a
lovely day the evenings are quite cool though. The men are very
busy in the hay fields
Friday 26th. a beautiful day nice cool breeze. Albert has gone
to the Woi·ks with the waggon this morning Maggie picking berries
Mother & I all alone. I do feel very miserable have such a bad
cold & hoarseness cannot speak above my breath
Saturday 27th. (Charley Bleecher was drowned today in river at
Belleville he went in swimming & took cramps) raining quite fast
in the morning making cake, pies, cleaning ~xcc. Thomas came
from Belleville & he gave Maggie a calico dress left after dinner
took the two children with him. Josey got a paper out of the
office for me from Elizabeth Downing took
feel very ~nsettled went to bed quite late
at Esther Annes
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Sunday 28th. beautiful cool morning looks like ,ain though. At
9 Oclock Albert Maggie & I went for a walk picked a few berries.
Took a short sleep befcre dinner. Josey & Maggie started for
Church about 2 Oclock at three it commenced to rain did not cease
till six. I got caught in a shower went for a walk as far as the
little woods was there but a short time when it commenced to rain
very hard so I got quite wet. Had to change my clothes when I
got home. Just Mother Albert & I for tea. This has been a very
quiet day but I do not feel lonely at all commenced to rain quite
fast again. I am afraid the children will gei wet coming home.
They are on horseback I hope they won't start till the rain is
over very wet weather for July. There is a great deal of hay out
that is cut. Maggie & Josey came from Church 1/2 past 6 pouring
down rain. Mr. Preston & Thomas (sic) came with them & spent a
very dull evening. Went to bed at ten did not feel sleepy
though. Mr. P. a strange man. Very dark night.
Monday 29th. ! got up at 4 Oclock to Thomas' breakfast ready
he is in a hurry to start to Belleville. Got our breakfast at
eight a little drizzling rain all the forenoon sewing a little in
the forenoon. After dinner Maggie & Josey went on horseback to
Maria. Commenced raining a little shortly after they left. I am
sorry they started today. Mr. P. sleeping most of the day.
Started to a few had to turn back on account of the
rain I feel very sleepy. Called Albert & Mr. P. up to tea
raining very hard in the evening. We went to bed early. This
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has been a very long day but it was on account of my getting up
so early.
Tuesday 30th. a lovely morning. Mr. Preston left at 1/2 past 10
this morning. He walked out to the Works. r was very busy after
he left making beds, sweeping parlor, putting things to rights,
cleaning the floor got dinner ready about 3 Oclock Albert & I
went out to pick berries got the large tin pail full. Got back
in time to get tea ready. Felt very tired & then I had 5 cows to
milk after the dishes to wash things to prepare for breakfast &
then went to bed. This has been a very hot day. Mr.P. has not
left the Works yet.
Wednesday 31st. frightful thunder & lightening last night rain
very heavy. Raining this morning yet very sultry for raining a
little all day. In the evening Albert went to the Works got a
paper for me from E.G.W. several illegible words feel alone.
Sewing a little in the afternoon felt very stupid all day about
half sick.
August 1861
Thursday 1st. a lovely day but very hot doing housework making
preserves picking berries & sewing a little when I was out
picking berries r was almost suffocated with the heat
39
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Friday 2nd. very warm day but I was ironing all the forenoon
made pies & then started for to look for a girl to hire went a
mile below John Frosts (sic) came back by the Works stopped there
till aftyer tea got tea at Bentleys went to see Fannie she is
very ill Dr. English was there to see her Did not leave the Works
_till after sundown waited for the mail coming home it looked very
much like rain Thundered & Lightening very heavy it was very
sultry but it did not rain till after I got home & then nothing
to speak of the horse was as wet as he could be I felt sorry for
it & was very tired indeed
Saturday 3rd. cleaning upstairs and down before dinner. After
dinner Josey & I picked 6 quarts of blackberries very busy all
day in the evening just as we had milking done W. Hamilton & his
cousin Miss Hamilton came got their tea spent a very pleasant
evening went to bed at 12. This has been a very hot day & ver~
bright (sic)
Sunday 4th. very sultry morning 1/2 past 10 W. & Miss Hamilton
& Albert Maggie & I went to Meeting. Mr. Rose (sic) preached a
most worthy sermon the School House was full though Mr. Rose
preached~~ got a paper from Richard last night. I never felt
the heat so much as today it is suffocating. Esther Ann came
over after dinner. Dan Johns spent the day here about 3 Oclock
we all went down in the woods to eat blackberries we spent a very
pleasant day. It was so hot frightful Lightening & Thunder in
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the evening raining a little. We went to bed quite early we were
all so tired
Monday 5th. Mr. Hamilton (sic) left at 10 this morning I like
Miss. H. but Mr. H. never talks only when you speak to him it was
warmer if possible than yesterday a little cooler in the evening
I picked 5 quarts of red berrries in the afternoon Maggie went to
the Works after she got her tea for
tonight
I feel very lonely
Tuesday 6th. doing housework part of the day sewing a good deal
of the afternoon more than I have for two months. Thomas Campion
& little Richard came in the evening. He got a letter out of the
office for me from Whitmarsh with a pair of gloves & a collar in
it. Did not go to bed till late
Wednesday 7th. cleaning all day. The sun never shone all day
long finished tonight. Maggie & I washing. A great
many clothes to wash. r feel almost sick today my throat is
quite sore though. I have been very lonely all day too I do not
know what is the reason. Thomas left at seven for Belleville.
He left Richard here for altogether Oh, such a dull day I feel
quite ill after I got done working I laid down a little while & I
felt a little better after it. I wish somebody would come & stop
a short time went to bed early
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Thursday 8th. doing a little of everything in the forenoon very
busy ironing milking this has been a lovely day not very
warm much cooler than it has been for some time I would like some
company very much. I wish I could go to Stirling & Belleville &
stay two or three weeks then I think I would enjoy it very much
Friday 9th. doing housework finished my chemise (sic) several
illegible words I went out to the Works after dinner got a paper
for Maggie from E.G.W. I carried out a great load on horseback,
a half gallon of oil, 15 pounds of sugar & pound of tea & several
other little things
Saturday 10th. Maggie went up to Beaver Creek this morning so I
have all the work to do after I got all the cleaning done I made
7 pies busy Esther came a little after dark got a letter
out of the office for me from Richard a on a paper from
Elizabeth Downing. We were talking after 1 Oclock this has been
a beautiful day very windy
Sunday 11th. a beautiful cool morning. Esther Albert & I took a
walk for blackberries [ insert illegible J It was very late when
we so it made the forenoon seem short after dinner Esther
Albert & I walked out to Church took tea at Bentleys. They were
very kind to us. Mr. Preston walked home with us. I felt very
tired when I got home. Mr. P. is a very strange man not any
great prize for anybody went to bed 1/2 past 11
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Monday 12th. Mr. P. up very early left before breakfast lovely
morning after breakfast Esther & I took a notion (sic) to go to
Stirling started at 10 stopped at the Works to get a shoe on the
horse got to Stirling at 3 Oclock took dinner at Annies left
about 6 for home. We went by the Village to get a few things.
It commenced raining hard so we stopped at Mrs. Downings all
night. Mr. Preston was there till 8 Oclock. Hawley and James
Crawford came after he left stayed till ten spent the evening by
pleasantly eating nuts raisins
when we went to bed
~~~ apples. Raining very hard
Tuesday 13th. a lovely morning very cold. We left for Marmara at
6. Wore thick woolen shawls & I was very cold then got to the
Works at eight. Took breakfast at Bowers. At home at 11 very
tired Esther left at 2 for Beaver Creek I felt miserable all the
afte,noon. We were expecting (sic) Maggie home tonight but she
did not come lovely moonlight night cold though & Maggie has Just
made her appearance went to bed shortly after she came
Wednesday & Thursday 14th. & 15th. doing housework as usual
washed on Thursday
Friday 16th. very busy till 3 Oclock & then I went to see Fannie
Crawford she is very ill (sic) came home by the Works had a very
good ,ide all alone
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Saturday 17th. lovely morning showery in the afternoon very busy
all day not an idle moment I feel quite stiff after my ride
yesterday. Made pies, cakes, xxcc. Just milking time John
Crawford & Kate Bentley came had to get t~a for them. I feel
very tired tonight. Went to bed at eleven I cannot say I spent a
very pleasant evening
Sunday 18th. a lovely day we all went to Meeting. William Rose
(sic) preached. We came home got dinner 1/2 past 3 we all went
over to Liggetts & Liggetts & young Churchill were there we came
home to tea. I went to bed early I felt very tired. We had a
very dull day of it for me it was
Monday 19th. lovely day the nights are getting very cold at
present making a dress for Maggie. I do not have enough time to
sew. Esther Ann took tea here. Esther got a paper from Richard
Maggie got one from E.G.W.
Tuesday 20th. everything is going on the same as usual very
quiet I have been sewing at Maggies dress a good part of the day
a beautiful day. Maggie spent the afternoon at Esther Anns the
raspberries are all gone. I have felt very well this week
Wednesday 21st. Maggie & I washing finished at noon sewing at
Maggies dress I ~~s~e~v~e~r~a~l~~i~l~l~e~g~i~b~le~•~w~o~r~d~s,,__ Robert Pete & Albert
went for blackberries but I did not get any. Looked like rain
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all day~ not rained any yet 6 Oclock
Thursday 22nd. ironing all day very
Friday 23rd. finished Maggies dress fits her beautifully.
Maggie went out to the Works in the afternoon got a letter for me
from E.G.W. a paper from Hamilton
Saturday 24th. very busy cleaning all the forenoon. About 3
Oclock r started for Seaver Creek. Got there at 1/2 past 5 went
all the way alone felt lonely going we went to bed 1/2 past 11
Sunday 25th. all alone till 12 when Dan (sic) Johns & Albert
came left for home at 3 Oclock stopped at Georges to tea Mrs.
Johns, Mrs. Beddow, Esther & the rest of us several illegible
words Albert & I got home at 9 Oclock several illegible words
we had a pleasant ride, came very slow, a lovely day, quite warm
though
Monday 26th. at 7 Oclock we had a very heavy shower just got the
work done when we heard someone walking up the stairs. I went up
and there was Mr. Preston and Corbwold (sic) I was so sorry to
see them because I felt so tired after my ride I did not wish to
see anybody. Spent a very quiet day sitting about. I commenced
making a chemise for myself, went to bed at 1/2 past 1 Oclock,
very much like
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Tuesday 27th. raining quite fast at 5 Oclock, fine again at
seven. They left shortly after breakfast. I was so glad to see
them go for I feel quite sick. Busy doing work the rest of the
forenoon, sewing in the afternoon, the sun shining bright, but it
is quite cool.
Wednesday 28th. Maggie and I washing got done by dinner time.
Rev. Mr. Rose (sic) took dinner here soon as I could get ready
after dinner I started for Stirling in the buggie all alone. Got
in a heavy shower from here to the Works fearful thunder and
lightning, hailed and rain most of the way. left the Works at 5
Oclock got to Stirling 1/2 past 7. Annie and William had left
for Niagara Falls when I got there.
Thursday 29th. Taking care of the baby all day. Never spent
such a lonely day in a long time. Mr. Preston came up and took
tea and spent the evening.
Friday 30th. Taking care of the children as usual. Kate Beatty
came up from the village to dinner. stopped all day and night.
I walked down to the village in the afternoon. Felt very tired
at night.
Saturday 31st. Annie got home at daylight from the Falls. I did
not sleep well last night. Kept the baby with me. Left Stirling
for homo -a-t 11 tods.y. l<ate came wi'th fire--.-----, Got l::.tr the Works at
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1/2 past 1. I had a very bad headache when I got there. Felt
miserable. Got dinner at Bentleys. Came home soon after. Had a
lovely drive such a pleasant day, quite cool though, got home 1/2
past 3. out any accident happened. Blucher (sic) is
such a grand horse. I was surely glad to get home. Catherine
J Liggett and George Willard were married (sic) on the night of the
2Bth Wednesday a very quiet wedding.
Sunday, September 1861 Sunday 1st. A very beautiful day, frost
last night. The we spent such a nice quiet Sunday
today. I wrote a letter in. the evening to E.G.W went to bed
early.
Monday 2nd. Very warm day. I made two of plumb
preserves in the morning. Part of the afternoon Elizabeth
Corbourgh boarding (sic) here. Fearful thunder and lightning.
Rain very hard. Maggie and Richard went for the cows. Did not
get home till the rain was almost over. We were all very much
frightened about them. Thought they were lost in the woods.
Albert, Robert and boys started to look for them. Took the horse
met them at the maple tree. They were almost drowned. It was
ever so long after dark when they got home. I was sewing till
after 10 Oclock, r felt very miserable all day.
47
Tuesday 3rd. Maggie and I washing in the forenoon. Cleaning the
floor, getting tea ready and doing a little of everything.
Maggie went to the Works after tea. Mailed a letter to E.G.W and
paper to Hamilton. Just after she started there came on a very
busy shower. She stopped at Liggetts till after it was over.
Wednesday 4th. Lovely day, the men are very busy they (sic) are
very busy cything (sic) wheat. I was ironing most of the day
finished my chemise. Esther Ann and Margaret came over stayed
about an hour. The nights are very cold.
Thursday 5th. Now our family consists of 13 at present. Plenty
of work to do. The men are drawing in wheat today with
teams. Cut out a night gown for Mother sewed very little though.
Just as we finished milking James Downing came got tea for him.
He looked miserable has been about weeks. Spent a very
dull evening a lovely sunset. but a very dark night.
Friday 6th. Looks very much like rain this morning. The wind is
blowing quite hard. James D. left after dinner. Esther Ann came
over in the afternoon. She and I sewing at the dress till
bedtime. Had tea to get ready , dishes to wash, milking to do,
between dinnertime and bedtime though.
48
Saturday 7th. A lovely cool morning the air seems so pure. The
boys all went out to hear Mr. Flint's speech, did not get home
till 12 Oclock.
Sunday 8th. In the morning we went to Meeting. Mr. Rose (sic)
preached. Esther and John Crawford went back to the schoolhouse
with us. William, Margaret & Esther Ann took dinner here they
all went to Church but Mother, Josie and I. They got home at
dark. Mr.Corbould walked (sic) out with them. Beautiful cool
day.
Monday 9th. Lovely morning. Corbould left at 10 Oclock. Sewed
a little after dinner. Making preserves in the morning. Sewing
at Esther Ann's dress after dinner. Felt quite ill at tea time.
Went to bed 1/2 past 10.
Tuesday 10th. Doing housework most of the day, sewing a little
at Mother's nightgown I feel lonely tonight. Looks very much
like rain. I planted out some Pink roots in a
look beautiful.
Wednesday 11th.
till 3 Oclock.
in the evening;
breakfast.
Raining this morning when we got up. Rained
Sewing very little today. Mr. Downing came here
Got his supper. Stopped all night and to
49
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Thursday 12th. Put out the clothes could not put them out last
night on account of the rain. Ironing until 4 Oclock, I feel
very lonely this afternoon. Sewing a little at Mother's
nightgown in the evening. This has been a lovely day. Mrs. John
Leggetts had a baby last night. The boys have finished cything
wheat tonight have to draw it in yet though.
Friday 13th. A very beautiful day. I went out to the works left
after 3 Oclock got ten pounds of sugar. several illegible words
took tea at Mrs. Bentley such a miserable place I felt greatly
disappointed not getting either paper or letter. After dark when
I got home I did not enjoy the ride as well as I usually do.
Saturday 14th. Cloudy, raining a little most of the afternoon.
I felt very low spirited but I did not go to bed till 11 Oclock,
very busy all day feel tired at night making pies, cake and
scrubbing xxcc.
Sunday 15th. Rather cloudy the forenoon but a lovely afternoon.
Albert, Maggie, Josey
Beaver Dam for
~~~~- and I took a long walk down to the
get dinner ready had chickens (sic) for
dinner this has been such a nice quiet day. Everyone reading,
sleeping and talking all the long day, it is so pleasant not to
have anyone come on Sunday. Oh, what a lovely evening. The sun
looks beautiful Just setting the Northern lights are really
beautiful tonight
50
I
Monday 16th. A lovely day not a cloud to be seen all day.
Finished Mother's nightgown. Jacob Bentley and George Bowen came
here for Plumbs (sic) they got the last of them.
Tuesday 17th. Looks very much like rain this morning. Maggie
and I washing. The boys are very busy drawing in peas. Josey
went to the Works brought me a paper from several illegible words
went to bed 1/2 past 10 Oclock. A lovely moonlight night.
Wednesday 18th. A very lovely day. Not a breath of wind.
Very quiet day. Nice and cool too. Maggie Potts and Mr.
Preston were married up in the Cathedral at Montreal.
I hope she will never regret her choice, but I am a little
doubtful. If the weather there isn't as beautiful as it is here
they could not have chosen a better day. Albert went to the
Works to funeral. He died
Thu1·sday 19th. Ironing the starched clothes a good part of the
day. Never felt so vexed in a long time. The stove smoked so
bad could not get the irons heated. Maggie went out the Works in
the afternoon there was a great picnic there. Sewing a little.
Received a paper from Miss Hamilton with some wedding cake in it
(her cousins) This has been a very dull cloudy day for the day
after ----- wedding. The boys have finished harvesting ___
I am sure they must be glad.
51
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I Friday 20th. still cloudy yet but much cooler than yesterday
about 1 Oclock Mrs. Baldrick (sic) Johns and Elizabeth Downing
and Mary Crawford came here. Got dinner for them. Albert and
Elizabeth went out to the Works on horseback in the evening.
Raining very fast when they got back.
-raining fearfully all night.
Saturday 21st. They left at 10 Oclock. It was raining yet.
Raining a litle all day very disagreeable. We were late with our
work on account of the
left
~~~ did not do any cleaning till they
Sunday 22nd. We all went to here Mr. V~~~~- preach in the
morning. Eliza Liggett came over to dinner. Albert I Maggie
went out to Mr. Arch (sis) after dinner. Mr. Fleming Beecher in
Mr. Prestons place I went over to Liggett's to tea with Eliza
What a lovely day 1 cannot say that I spent a very pleasant day.
Monday 23rd. First day of the Election several illegible words
cloudy last night the wolves killed ten sheep. For us as much as
forty dollars lost but it couldn't be helped. I finished Mothers
chemise today. Tilly Creek looks very nice again.
Tuesday 24th. Second day of the Election of Flint and Smith.
Gi-eat excitement, Albert went out to the Works this afternoon,
Staautlful day. Ma99ie & · 1 washing r oclock we have Just
52
finished. several illegible words with Minnie & Mr. Potts
marriage in it. Making a ~~~~- this afternoon. I feel very
cross today. When Albert came home he brought me a letter from
E.G.W. Great excitement on account of election times.
Wednesday 25th. 10 Oclock at night. This has been a very lovely
day I was busy ironing all the afternoon. Sewing a little in the
evening at my drawers. I have felt very well today. I put out a
pill (sic) of poison tonight for wolves.
Thursday 26th. Doing housework all the forenoon. In the
afternoon I went over to Esther Anns to sew at her dress and got
home at dark. Looks very much like rain this evening. Albert
went to Stirling today left at 1 Oclock in the buggie. Raining
very fast at bedtime. Mr. Alsworth Smith is elected.
Friday 27th. In the morning raining yet. I am sewing at a pair
of drawers for myself. Sewing on the skirt of Esthers dress in
the afternoon. Feel miserable. It is raining all day and never
ceased at all. Finished my drawers at 10 Oclock at night.
Saturday 28th. Rained all last night it is raining yet at 2
Oclock in the afternoon but it did not rain much in the forenoon
very disagreeable day it is so muddy. Albert, Josey & Peter are
away picking butternuts. Has been so sultry. Very hot in the
forenoon. Making pies, xxcc. I wish I had some papers to read.
53
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At 4 Oclock Albert made his appearance. Brought me
Hamilton. Albert tells me that Mr. Preston, Minnie or Mrs.
Preston & Aggie made their appearance in
Friday the 27th. I felt quite affected after Albert came home.
He was getting us the & one thing & another. It
has
night
5 Oclock & it is getting very cold and lovely starlight
Sunday 29th. The ground is white with frost this morning. It is
so cold it has been shivery (sic) all day. I went for a walk in
the afternoon about the fields wore a cloak & hood not to
warm then. Maggie & Josey spent the afternoon at Esther Anns I
must say I spent rather a pleasant day reading a good deal of the
time Esther is to be home next week for good I will be so glad
when she is home again. The woods look as beautiful as they did
a while ago. The leaves are beginning to fall. Winter is fast
approaching. This has been a very short summer I think. About 4
Oclock that goose of a John McCain came stayed all night Esther
Ann did spent the evening here as ever singing
Monday 30th. A beautiful day. Aenas (sic) spinning in the
forenoon. I went out to the Works after dinner on horse back I
took Charley he was wild acting. Very ugly at the Works. Took
tea at Bowens got home before dark. Had a very good ride so that
is the way I spent the last night of the month.
54
October 1861
Tuesday 1st. Maggie & I washed. Very cloudy all day
Wednesday 2nd. Done all the ironing today
Thursday 3rd. In the afternoon I went over to help Esther Ann
quit to come back at dark. Maria, Thomas Esther & Josey were
here when I got back. Mr. Oas (sic) come home with me
All confusion so many here. Commenced rain at dark.
Friday 4th & Saturday 5th. Raining very fast both days. Oer
(sic) left after dinner. At dark Mr. Hamilton came. I was
starching till 9 Oclock. I spent a miserable time after that
till bed time
Sunday 6th. illegible sentence Stopped at Esthers house all
night She could not get home I spent a very miserable day
Monday 7th. Lovely morning after three days and three nights
rain. Spinning most of the day. They all left here, Hamilton
Dan~- Downing Johns & Mr. Oer about 1/2 past 9 Oclock. I feel
much better since they all have gone. Went to bed very early
Tuesday 8th. The first beautiful day there has been this month.
Esther & I washing the sun seems to shine so bright today.
Albert went out to the Works with the waggon. I feel very
55
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unsettled today
Wednesday 9th. Ironing all the forenoon. Doing a little of
everything mending my boot stays xxcc. A very beautiful day.
,hursday 10th. Oh, what a lovely day. I went to the Works. Got
back at dinner time I had a nice ride. Did not get any sewing
done. Was ironing starched clothes till milking time I feel
quite lonely tonight & it is such a lovely moonlight night quite
cool though
Friday 11th. Spinning most of the day. Esther spent the
afternoon at Esther Anns. Mr. Preston & his brother Arthur came
here in a buggy in the evening. Commenced to rain just as they
got here. Mr. P. very glad to see us all again. We spent a very
pleasant evening indeed. Did not go to bed till 12 Oclock. This
is the first time he has been here since he was married he does
not look any better I don't think after getting his young wife.
Saturday 12th. Mr. P.s brother left at 1/2 past 9. Not raining
but every appearance of it when they left. The woods (sic) are
very wild now. If they had a bee Mr. Rodworths it is raining a
little all the afternoon. About 5 Oclock Archie Johns (sic)
came. He looked very well the rigors seems to agree with him.
The rigors (sic) seem to agree with him. Did not get our
scrubbing done till near night. Our visitors bother us so. I
56
went to bed quite early I felt so sleepy much raining away out at
bedtime
Sunday 13th. Very cloudy windy disagreeable
quiet day
~~~ spent a nice
Monday 14th. A lovely day Esther & I white washing I white
washed the mens room & Esther kitchen the kitchen half done
when Aggie Potts & Harry (sic) Campion came. Never was so sorry
in my life (sic) t~ see anybody come for I was so tired had to
leave and get dinner ready for them after that had to scrub and
file (sic) the floor almost tired out at night. Fannie brought
me black Coubourg ( c) for a dress I went to bed early.
Tuesday 15th. Cut out Maggies dress Esther Ann helping to sew at
it in the afternoon I felt miserable all day so much to do this
has been a lovely day indeed beautiful moonlight night.
Wednesday 16th. Sewing a good part of the day. Aggie & Maggie
went to Liggetts to leave several illegible words
Thursday 17th. Esther & I washing the largest washing we have
had in a long time. After I got done I cleaned the floor
downstairs and up too. Never was so tired in all my life this
has been the most beautiful day we have had for a long time so
warm. Oh, such a lovely moonlight night. Albert went to
57
Stirling to the Show (sic) with Toupy (sic) Broadworth.
Friday 18th. Raining this morning. Rained a great deal last
night. Very dull day. Albert took dinner at Mrs. Prestons.
Friday 18th Saturday 19th. Very busy as usual. Rained all day
on Saturday 19th. I received 5 papers & Mother one
Sunday 20th. A very windy, disagreeable day. Albert & Maggie
went out to Church. We expected Mr. Preston & Minnie out to tea
but they did not.
Monday 21st. Albert took Aggie as far as the Works in the waggon
She went down on the stage. A lovely day Arthur & I left for
Stirling in the afternoon got to Annies after dark Aggie was
there
Tuesday 22nd. Went for a drive. Called to see Minnie xxcc
Wednesday October 23rd. The Church was opened. There was eight
(sic) ministers and the Bishop elect. Service in the morning and
evening. Not a great many there though. It was a very wet
miserable day. Esther & I stopped at Mrs. Potts all night. Mr.
Grear (sic), Mr. Bell, Mr. Jones. Got our dresses fitted at
Marthas
58
Thursday 24th. Thomas, Esther, Elizabeth Downing & I started for
Bridgewater. A beautiful day quite cold though. Stopped at Mrs.
earners (sic) all night.
Friday 25th. Went back to where James Downing lives. James
(sic) would have us go never was so sorry in my life the roads
were in a fearful state did not get there till after dark and
then almost tired out
Saturday 26th. We started for Stirling about 9 Oclock took
dinner at McCloeds (sic) commenced rain just after dinner rained
till almost got to Stirling a little after dark. Went to
bed early we felt very tired after our long rough ride
Sunday 27th. A lovely day I went to Church twice Aggie took
dinner with us at Annies
Monday 28th. Martha finished our dresses. Mr. & Mrs. Preston
Arthur & Sophia Preston, Aggie Potts & Aggie took tea with
us at Annies
Tuesday 29th. A lovely day Esther & I took tea at Mrs. Prestons
Spent a very pleasant evening
59
Wednesday 30th. Took a drive in the forenoon & in the afternoon
took tea at Mrs. Porters. Spent the evening & took supper at
Mrs. Boulls (sic). Stopped at Mrs. Potts did not go to bed till
2 Oclock.
Thursday 31st. Got up very early. Drove up to Annies and then
down to Mrs. Prestons to breakfast we were invited on Tuesday.
We left there about 10 Oclock for Belleville. Arthur rode with
us. Mrs. Preston & Minnie came as far as Frankford with us. We
got to Belleville 1/2 past 7 Oclock.
November 1861
Friday 1st. A lovely day we went for a drive took a lunch & had
dinner when we came back went as far as Mrs. Bakers after supper
Adelaide & I drove Arthur down to the Dafo House. Went to bed
early.
Saturday 2nd. A fearful morning has been raining almost all
night and all this day it has been raining and snowing all day
quite cold too very disagreeable day. Never went out of the door
all day
Sunday 3rd. A cold miserable day but we went down to Church in
the morning. Went in the Carriage would not go in the evening
because it rained
60
Monday 4th. Quite dull looking this morning but Esther & I
started for Stirling got in town. Had our
likenesses taken were first going to start when we met Hamilton
he coaxed us to go out to Thurlow to Miss Hamiltons so we took
dinner at Papinans (sic). Spent a very pleasant evening at Miss
Hamiltons [Hamilton gave me a letter written by tincels (sic)]
Tuesday 5th. A lovely day. We started for Stirling at 10 Oclock
Took dinner at Jarvis (sic) & then drove on to Marmara. Stopped
at night at Beattys [I received a paper from E.G.W.] Felt very
tired when we got there
Wednesday 6th. We got home this morning at 10 Oclock. The roads
were in a fearful condition all the way from Belleville on
account of so much rain the water runs about 2 feet some
places from the Works. Glad to get home again. We have been
away 2 weeks and 2 days. Had the horse and buggy all the time.
We enjoyed ourselves very much indeed
Thursday 7th. Esther & I washing quantity of clothes. Three
weeks of washing very tired at night Just got through when
Margaret & Elizabeth Liggett came stayed to tea
Friday 8th. A lovely morning Esther & Maggie went up to
Richardsons to call on Emily They stayed till after dinner
I was very busy all day ironing
61
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!
Saturday 9th. Beautiful day the first Saturday it has not rained
in nine (sic) weeks. After I got the cleaning done I made pies
xxcc. Mr.Fowld (sic) & his foreman came here to supper Mr.
Fowlds is a very clever man. We spent a very pleasant evening
went to bed 1/2 past 11
Sunday 10th. Mr. Fowlds left at 11 Oclock just as they left
Joe, Fannie & Eliza & Emily Hart came then stayed
till evening. Emily stopped all night she looks so old not
wearing any [it rained a great deal in the night]
Monday 11th. Esther commenced spinning so Maggie & I have all
the work to do. I was mending my clothes today. Do not feel
well. Have got a very bad cold in fact we all have.
Tuesday 12th. A lovely day I l very dull & stupid. I got up
very early to get breakfast Albert started to Belleville this
morning not doing much of anything knitting a little
Wednesday 13th. E. & I washing. Not raining but it has been
very wild looks very much like it. Maggie went over to stay all
night with Esther ~~- How pleasant to be without my visitors
for awhile after we have been visiting so long.
Albert home tonight but he did not come]
[We expected
62
Thursday 14th. Very busy ironing all day. This has been a
beautiful day. I received a paper from E.G.W. This is a lovely
moonlight night. There was ten men past here there there are
going to make timber down in the woods.
Friday 15th. A very pleasant morning the ground is frozen quite
hard though. Done the starching in the forenoon. Sewing in the
afternoon at my nightgown. Albert did not get home till 1/2 past
three Oclock. He got Esther & I each a new cloak, Maggie & Josey
a pair of boots. Oh, what a lovely moon light night.
[five dollars each]
Saturday 16th. A very cold morning. Fearfully busy. Maggie
cleaned the parlor stove. We put it up in the other room. Never
got my work done till dark. Made pies & xxcc. I felt very
sleepy & went to bed early.
Sunday 17th. We all went to Meeting in the morning to hear Mr.
Rose (sic) preach. In the afternoon Esther & Albert went over to
Liggetts stopped to tea I spent a very quiet afternoon. Oh, what
a lovely moonlight night night. It makes me feel a little
lonely. Very cold tonight too. We felt quite disapointed
because we expected Mr. Preston out tonight & he did not come.
63
Monday 18th. This is such a lovely day I couldn't describe it.
Maggie has commenced going to School again today doing a little
of everthing putting glass in the windows xxcc. Mother & I have
all the work to do ourselves now several illegible words We
expected Mr. Preston out to dinner today but he did not come we
were disapointed a little I mailed a letter to Susan Andrews & a
paper to E.G.W. this has been a beautiful day we moved the
kitchen stove out this morning
Tuesday 19th. Another beautiful day. The boys killed a cow
today. I feel very lonely today.
Wednesday 20th. E & I washing not doing much of anything after
I got done went to bed very early the consequence was I had
frightful dreams about the dead
Thursday 21st. several illegible words when Maggie Bentley
Miss Kelly and Miss Rose came they stayed till 2 Oclock. E. sent
a letter to Richard & one to Minnie. Oh, what a lovely day this
has been. Such beautiful weather makes me feel lonely.
Friday 23rd. Another lovely morning. The ground is white with
frost. Sewing the rest of the day after I got the house work
done. Thomas Campion came here in the evening. He brought the
papers from the office. I received one from Hamilton & one from
Elizabeth Downing. One a Frankville (sic) Monthly from Mr.
64
Fowls. I think he also sent one to Esther & Maggie. He was very
kind indeed. We are all delighted to get so many papers & E.
also got a letter from Minnie. I did not get to bed till 10 was
reading till then
Saturday 23rd. rained fast all night & it has rained most all
day today very disagreeable day the first rain we have had for 2
weeks very busy all day doing house work felt very tired at night
feel too tired to read went to bed early
Sunday 24th. Cloudy all day, snowing a little, raining a little.
Albert & Thomas went to Quarterly Meeting at the Works. Got back
for dinner. The rest were reading all day. The furtherest I was
out of the house was to the upper end of low (sic) garden.
Enjoyed myself very well. Spent a nice quiet Sunday all of us
alone.
Monday 25th. Quite a fall of snow last night the ground looks
very white this morning a dull day. Thomas left this morning
Josey commenced going to school. I felt miserable today. Robert
brought his cow here for us to winter doing the housework &
spinning (sic) a little.
Tuesday 26th. a very lovely day E & I washing in the forenoon.
The snow is thawing off today Esther Ann spent the evening here
Knitting in the evening
65
Wednesday 27th. I had a very bad headache in the morning. I
went to bed for a short time after breakfast. Thrashing with the
machime today, 11 men to dinner. We are kept quite busy. Two
Oclock in the afternoon & it looks very much like a storm of
I was busy ironing in the afternoon after I got the
other work done. I don't feel well at all. Did not go to bed
till after 11 Oclock
Thursday 28th. ironing the white clothes and a great many
starched ones. Spun enough for a pair of stockings in the
afternoon. Almost sick (sic) with a pain (sic) between my
shoulders at night. Esther went over to Esther Anne after
dinner. I read all of Eclesiastics through before I went to bed.
A dull day.
Friday 29th. We had quite a, fall of snow last night. Looks like
winter today. Quite warm though. I do wish the Sleighing was
good so we could have a drive. Albert brought me a paper from
the office from Hamilton. I do not feel well tonight.
Saturday 30th. The last day of the month and a very stormy day
it is snowing most all day quite busy cleaning xxcc Josey went
tp the office brought me two letters one from E.G.Whitmarsh and
one from Susan Andrews Kingston and a paper from E.G.W. I feel
glad to get papers & letters I did not go to bed. till after 11
66
night of the month & it is snowing fast
December 1st. 1861
Sunday 1st. A very snowy day at 11 Oclock the snow (sic) is
quite deep. We spent a very pleasant time at home till 4 Oclock
& then we all several ille9ible words Albert Esther Maggie &
myself went to Church at the Works in the Sleigh. The first ride
& a very rough one. Mr. P. preached. The text was in the 13th
Chapter of Barmass (sic) and the 12th verse. Snowing very fast
all the way going and coming home again. Cleared off after we
got home and was quite cold I enjoyed the ride very much though
we got home at 1/2 past eight. E. was quite sick.
Monday 2nd. A beautiful clear cold winter morning I was up early
Albert & Thomas went to Stirling & just as we were getting dinner
Mr. Preston came then we got his dinner ready we all had dinner
again I was sewing all the afternoon at my nightgown I do not
fell as well as I might spent the day rather pleasant
Tuesday 3rd. Beautiful day but very cold Mr. P. left just after
dinner. Maggie Josey & I left shortly after to get to Crawfords
to see Fannie poor Fan she is very low I think her days are
numbered (sic) she talked a good deal to me though but she was
unable to move herself in bed. We got home a little after da~k
and we were very cold [Peter Canlin had his leg taken off with a
... ]
67
Wednesday 4th. A beautiful day. We are all very busy. The boys
are killing pigs, six of them. Felt very tired at night. My
shoulder pains me so much no one has any pity for me though
Thursday 5th. a cloudy day thawing a good deal in the afternoon
Albert was out to the Works. He brought home word of poor
Fannie's death. She died on Wednesday night at eight Oclock in
bed. A solemn thing to think of death but we all must die. E & I
l
.
washing did not get done till night quite a dark night. I feel
very very badly tonight. It is not because we are alone I do not
know what is the reason [insert illegible]
Friday 6th. Quite busy all day doing housework a good deal of
the time
Saturday 7th. We were up early started at 1/2 past seven for
Crawfords to go to Fannie's funeral she was buried at 11 Oclock a
very large funeral they all felt so bad. I am sure they will
miss her so much at home. I'm sure they will be lonely tonight
at Crawfords. The roads are very muddy today not a particle of
snow left it looks like a spring day it commenced to rain just as
we got home and rained all night [we went in the waggon the snow
all went off last night]
68
Sunday 8th. Very nice looking day but very muddy Tomy (sic) came
here brought a letter from Richard. Esther Ann spent the
afternoon here. William Young ( c) came in the evening. I
scarcely moved out of the house all day
Monday 9th. Esther went to Stirling with Thomas this morning.
She is going to stay a week or two with Annie. W. left with them
very dull day I felt very lonesome all day
I
Tuesday 10th. Maggie & I washing floors very much like rain
spinning in. the afternoon commenced a pair of stockings tonight
raining very hard at bed time
Wednesday 11th.· Spinning a little in the morning William Fowlds
(sic) called in about three Oclock stopped ----- went down in
the shanty came back in the evening not
evening since talking xxcc went to bed
Fawlds very well indeed
---~- a very pleasant
I like William
Thursday 12th. Very cold this morning the ground is frozen hard
again. Mr. Fawlds left at 9 Oclock. I was busy all the forenoon
ironing. There was a man here to dinner his name was Dean (sic)
selling Doctor Brooks. He was a great talker. Doing a little
sewing in the afternoon I feel very lonely today not anyone in
the house at present but Mother & I we are all alone
Robert cut his foot went home. I went to bed early.
69
Friday 13th. This has been a lovely day. The boys killed seven
hogs today. Tommy came just after dinner and a man buying fur
with him. I had to get dinner for them I received a paper from
Hamilton. I do not feel very well today
Saturday 14th. A very pleasant day. Quite busy tlll bed time
and that was late. Maggie spent the afternoon at Cather (sic)
House. I was making pies, cakes xxcc
Sunday 15th. A very lovely day in the morning we all but Mother
went to Meeting quite a number there Albert & Tommy went Mr.
Broadworths to dinner and we are all alone I cannot say that I
was lonely at all reading most of the day
Monday 16th. A bright day but very windy indeed I have felt very
lonely today Tommy (sic) left today he came at noon on Friday no
one at home today but Mother, Peter and I all day. Albert is at
Mr. Broadworths helping to draw peas
Tuesday 17th. A lovely day I am more lonely than ever today just
Mother & I today all day in the morning I went to the Works with
Josey walked two miles and felt very tired when I got back sewing
at the three capes (sic) a little in the afternoon cleaned the
floor got dinner xxcc I don't think I every felt so lonely I can
scarcely work
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Wednesday 18th. Another lovely day Maggie & I washing finished
at dinner time cleaned the floor upstairs and down. It looks
more like October weather than it does like December I do wish
somebody would come for a short time
Thursday 19th. Very pleasant in the afternoon Maggie went to the
Works on horseback quite warm raining hard in the morning I did
not go to bed till quite late did not feel sleepy then. The boys
have been away all day trashing at Mr. Sroadworths. Maggie got a
paper out of the office for me from E.G.W. and the several
illegible words
Friday 20th. Very busy cold this morning and high winds looks a
little more like winter. Albert went to Stirling in the
afternoon with the waggon. Spent the afternoon at Esther Anns
went up to see Mr. Richardson in the evening. He is very bad I
do not think he will get better got home about 10 Oclock. Lovely
moonlight
Saturday 21st. very very cold this morning the ice is beautiful
on the Creek just after breakfast Bobby Baird came over to tell
us Mr. Richardson was dead he died at 4 Oclock this morning very
sudden death. Esther & Albert came home in the evening. Elizas
been away two weeks. I have felt miserable all day
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Sunday 22nd. a beautiful day but very cold we all were up to see
Mr. Richardson we did not come home till late (sic) at night a
great many people there. I was helping the family. They (sic)
are almost crazy Mrs. R &
---- are for the time
Monday 23rd. We left home at ten to go to the funeral. We went
in the waggon. It was a cold stormy day. The sermon was
preached in the Town Hall by Rev. Mr. Rose. The text was the 6th
Chapter of Eclesiastics & the 10th verse. The Hall was full. We
did not get home till dark I received one paper from E.G.W. and
one from Hamilton. I felt very tired indeed but we killed six
fowls and two geese after we got home
Tuesday 24th. a beautiful clear cold day we are all very busy
all day. I was making pies, cakes, fried cake and cleaned
upstairs preparing for Christmas (sic). Llewyn Williams
came in the evening stopped till after supper. T. Campion came
at 9 Oclock. I was very tired when I went to bed.
Wednesday 25th. a beautiful day for Christmas Day I have not
felt so tired for a long time as I do today We spent a very
pleasant day all alone with the exception of Tommy being here.
Esther Effie (sic) & I took a long walk down the Creek. We had a
goose, plum pudding for dinner. I had a sleep after dinner and
part of the day
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Thursday 26th. very pleasant morning but it was snowing enough
of the afternoon. They were threshing with the threshing machine
after dinner a miserable evening for sure. The threshers have
got done & gone home before dark a very windy night
Friday 27th. a fearfully windy day all day and very cold I was
spinning all day stocking yarn I hope I have been scarcely out of
the door all day. Llewyn Willams stopped here all night
Saturday 28th. a beautiful day Maggie went to Stirling with
I was very busy scrubbing making cakes xxcc
Sunday 29th a lovely day snowed a little though went to Meeting
in the . Broadworth, Lewan Williams took dinner here in
the evening. We went to Church at the Works. We came back by
McCallums with Isaac S. I enjoyed myself very much. We stopped
at Bentleys we did not have any supper until we got home and at
almost 1/2 past 2 Oclock when we went to bed.
Monday 30th. Got up very early because Albert went early to get
his horses shod (sic) at the Works. We started at 1/2 past 3
Oclock to Stirling for the Tea Meeting Albert Josey & Isaac 1/2
an hour before time to get there all started from William
Downings. A great crowd at the Town Hall. We had a very nice
tea we left at 1/2 past 8 and went to dance in school I enjoyed
it all very much. We got up to Annies at 12 Oclock.
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Tuesday 31st. We went to the Village about nine I called at
Minnies. Had a walk about the village. Left for home a little
after 11. Ouite warm the snow is all going off the sleighing is
very bad. We got home at 1/2 past 3. I was very tired indeed.
We went to bed very early. So I felt very tired the last night
of the year.
January 1st 1862
Wednesday
I did not see a soul all day but our own folks. We were invited
out to Bentleys but could not go for it rained all the forenoon
and took every particle of snow off. Frightfully windy. In the
afternoon Freezing very hard towards night. Working
all day same as usual. Very disagreeable day. I felt very
lonely in the evening thinking of people and things that are past
and gone and what great changes there has been in one year
Thursday 2nd. A fearfully cold day the sun is shining bright
though. E & I washing. I was almost frozen putting out the
clothes. A very cold night. The stars are shining very bright
Went over to Esther Anns for a short time
Friday 3rd. A very cold day I was spinning in the forenoon &
ironing all the afternoon I feel so lonely tonight Mother &
brQ.th.,rs V"'rY. cross;
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Saturday 4th. a very cold cold day they are threshing with the
threshing machine & it being Saturday we have a whole (sic) lot
of work to do 12 men for dinner & supper I feel very very
& lonely. The ice is beautiful & smooth on the Creek. Lovely
skating (sic) now without (sic) any appearance of snow yet a very
yery strange winter indeed 12 Oclock when I went to bed I feel
very lonely too although I stayed up so late
Sunday 5th. we all took a walk down the ice such a long smooth
walk got back in time for dinner Albert & I spent the afternoon
at Esther Anns I felt very lonely & sick when there came home
early
Monday 6th. I was very till 2 Oclock. I had all the
work too also beds to make sewing to do cows to milk breakfast &
dinner to get & dishes to do & dishes to wash twice. Esther will
not do anything scarcely now. She is so cross it
impossible to live with her
Tuesday 7th. E & I washing twisting yarn & knitting a little in
the afternoon. Second day of Town Meeting. Albert went out to
the Works. He says Council men are Coleman, Johns, Wm. Haidton,
Wm. Lennard, John Crawford, John McDonald. Great excitement. Not
a particle of snow yet. Very strange weather for sure
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Wednesday 8th. I spent a very miserable day everybody is so
cross doing work most of the day. Quite a fall of snow in the
afternoon
Thursday 9th. Spinning & twisting yarn most of the day finished
-it all up for this winter. Mrs. Liggetts house was burnt up took
fire at 4 Oclock this morning. We did not know anything of it
till 5 Oclock tonight such a sad thing they say all of their
furniture burnt (sic) it is such a loss
Friday 10th. a looking day. Albert & Robert have gone
to help to build a house for Liggetts. They lost everything they
had to eat. Got very cold at dark a windy night. I was (sic)
doing housework most of the day had three meals to get & dishes
to wash three times. Esther spent the day at Esther Anns
Saturday 11th. a dull day snowing in the evening froze very
hard last night being scrubbing (sic), pies xxcc I feel very
unsettled today went to bed early I intended to ~~~- but
Mother went to in the morning in the Sleigh
WORKS SCRIBBLED OUT
Went to Church in the evening the sleighing is better than it has
been this winter before. Hr. Preston came home with us he
brought Maggie from Stirling she has been away more than two
76
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weeks. He preached a good sermon said a good deal about the
death of Prince Albert. Got supper after we came home Esther
rode out in the Cutter with Mr. P. They upset on the road I had
to laugh to see such large parcels fall out. We did not go to
bed till after 12 Oclock
Monday 13th. beautiful clear day but very cold a lovely moon
light night I felt quite ill all day Albert went to Stirling with
a load Mr. P. did not move out of the hou~e all day, He was
sleeping & reading. He did not feel very well. He has been
quite ill. I was mending (sic) the skirt of Maggie's g,een dress
Tuesday 14th. a lovely mild day Mr. Preston gave E & I a drive
down the ice he ran against a worn and b,oken big cutte,. He
left here 1/2 past 10 this is indeed a lovely winters day. I
feel a little better this afternoon made some pies & xxcc went to
bed very early lovely night
Wednesday 15th. started snowing about 5 Oclock in the morning &
snowed ve,y fast till 4 at night
ground
snow (sic) on the
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Thursday 16th. a very blustery day the wind blows very hard all
night I felt miserable all day do not know what ails me all the
time I am not myself at all for this last week. In the evening
William Fowls (sic) came in his Cutter. We did not go to bed
till 1/2 past 11 spent a very pleasant evening singing, talking
xxcc. A lovely moonlight night
Friday 17th. William Fowls (sic) down to the shanty after
breakfast. Annie came up with Tommy (sic) Commenced snowing
quite fast about 11 Oclock. I was ironing all day I felt
fortunate to do it though did not go to bed till late William
Fawlds (sic) took tea at William Bea~~-
Saturday 18th. a very stormy forenoon. Annie, Thomas & Mother
went to Marias. Mr. Fawlds did not leave until after dinner. I.
think he is very nice person. We all like him very much. We had
a very plea~ant time while he was here. Quite late when we got
work done on account of so many of them leaving. We have good
sleighing now have not had a drive yet though. Esther Ann and
person with us. I felt very miserable in the evening laid
down after tea
Sunday 19th. snowing all the forenoon very fast dull looking in
the afternoon looking a little like rain. Albert, Esther,
Maggie, Josey & I are all there is here all day. We were all
reaoing and singing most o.f the. day. I did not feeJ.. very .well
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I feel so lonely. Have a very bad pain between my shoulders all
the time. Mother & Annie came home in the evening. Johnny &
Richard Broadworth here for tea. I did not go to bed till after
11
-Monday 20th. Snowing all day very fast. Albert started to the
works in the morning illegible words all day I was making
dress smaller I do not feel like doing anything I went to bed
quite early
Tuesday 21st. a beautiful calm day the snow is quite deep
Annnie & Minnie Palmer went home with Albert he went to
Belleville. My head aches all the time. Beautiful day for
sleigh riding the roads not broken very well yet though.
Broadworth commenced drawing with our oxen this morning.
came back in the evening. Did not go to Belleville
Joseph
Albert
Wednesday 22nd. a cloudy day got a sprinkling of rain in the
evening. E & I washing Just as we got through William Young
(sic) two children came he left as soon as he got his dinner.
The children stopped (Dan & George). Oh, such a time as we have
with children now a days Tommy (sic) came back from Beaver
Creek in the evening brought in there man with him lam almost
crazy so many of them. Albert, Maggie, Josey & I went to
Missonary Meeting in the evening in the sleigh had a very
miserable time. I went but l did not feel well nice warm night
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though I enjoyed the drive more than anything else
Thursday 23rd. a mild warm day I am afraid it will rain doing a
little of everything not much of anything. I have got a very bad
cold indeed. Albert went to Stirling in the afternoon
Friday 24th. a glorious day sun shining beautifully after Albert
came from Stirling he drove E & I out to the Works took tea at
Mrs. Bowens when we got to the Works William Fowlds was just
ready to come out to our house we got him to stay to tea with us
Erode home with him. The sleighing is a good we had Nelly
before the sleigh she goes very well it was 1 Oclock when I got
to bed
Saturday 25th. commenced snowing before daylight and is snowing
away at dark a great fall of snow. William Fowlds left for home
at 1/2 past 3 Oclock we had a very grand time while he was here
he is a great talker. I feel so dull all the time do not feel
like myself at all. Making cakes xxcc. Went to bed at 10 Oclock
Sunday 26th. a very blustery day snowing & blowing all day
fearfully windy. Albert, Esther & Maggie went out to Church in
the evening. Mother Josey & I alone with the exception of the
children. They got home early on account of there not being any
Church. Mr. Preston did not come ~~~- expected Minnie & Mr.
Preston back with them but they did not come on account of the
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storm I suppose
Monday 27th. a lovely calm day Albert went to Stirling took Dan
& George with him illegible words sent a paper to Miss
Hamilton. Oh, what a lovely sunset this has indeed been a
beautiful day for sleighing. I have scarcely been out of the
house today. After supper Albert came home from Stirling. Aggie
Potts came home I cannot say I was glad to see her
I finished a pair (sic) of illegible words and commenced on
Arthurs pair
Tuesday 28th. a cloudy day but very pleasant. E & I washing,
very busy. Albert put Nelly before the Cutter for the first time
good sleighing now if there was not so many delfts. Josey drove
Aggie, Esther & I out to Richards to call on May Hart we got back
before dark
Wednesday 29th. cleaned up stairs sewing a little of everything
Thursday 30th. about 10 Oclock Josey drove Esther Aggie & I to
Bentleys. We took dinner there. About 3 Oclock we all drove up
to Llymon (sic) Johns to see John stopped there a short
time and then came home. I received a paper from Richard I
enjoyed the day much better than I thought I would because I felt
very miserable when I left home a lovely day
81
Friday 31st. a day. Esther Ann came over after dinner
in the evening Charley & Lucy ~P~~~~ Maggie & Angeline Beatty,
Miss Rose & Fannie Kelly down but they all came to tea I must say
I had a very miserable time so that is the way the first month of
the year ended.
February 1862
Saturday 1st. a very lovely day very busy all day. The man came
with the book called the Family Phisician. We bought one. I
felt very miserable all day. Albert went to Stirling. Did not
feel very well when he got home a very sore throat something like
the mumps or quinsey
Sunday 2nd. a lovely day about 12 Oclock Thomas came up from
Thmasy (sic) Victoria and Susan Story came with them
were here to dinner John Crawford & Angeline Bentley about 4
stopped a very short time. I rode with them as far as Liggetts
Hill. I received a letter from E.G.W. this evening I feel a
little better today
Monday 3rd. busy in the forenoon doing housework as soon as
dinner was over we started for Stirling (Aggie & I) in the
Cutter. Albert is very sick yet. Commenced to storm when we got
half way to the Works & stormed fearfully all the way very cold
today at Mrs. Potts all night
82
Tuesday 4th. Went up to Annie's to dinner called at Mr. Prestons
in the morning left Stirling a little after 2 Oclock for home.
Minnie & little Sarah Berton came home with me. A lovely
afternoon. I enjoyed the drive very much. Stopped a short time
in the Works at dusk. The sleighini is capital now. Went to bed
~uite early felt tired after our long drive
Wednesday 5th. a dull kind of a day I
sewing a little Sarah
of the best today
Thursday 6th. Esther, Minnie, Sarah & I went out to Mrs.
Boorish (sic) to Mrs. Bentleys to tea spent a very pleasant day I
___ all the people were very kind to us. We got home at 8
Oclock
Friday 7th. a boring (sic) day did not move out of the house all
day making aprons. Mr. Deorthman (sic) that sells medicine Books
stopped here all night. Albert is very ill tonight. Oh, I wish
he was better. I spent a very lonely and dull evening
Saturday 8th. rather cloudy & stormy all day. I scrubbed the
floor made cakes xxcc. Tommy Campion came in the afternoon John
Crawford came in the evening. I feel very miserable was never so
sorry to see any person come in a long time. We went to bed
quite early. I do not enjoy anything anymore I cannot tell why.
83
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Sunday 9th. It snowed till 3 Oclock & then Esther, Minnie,
Maggie, Josey, John Crawford went to Church. I had such a nice
quiet time after they left. Little Sarah stayed with me. They
got home at 1/2 past 8 got supper for them. We all went to bed
early.
Monday 10th. a beautiful day very cold though Mr. Preston,
Minnie & little Sarah started after breakfast. Esther took (sic)
Albert down to the Doctor in the Cutter in the afternoon. I felt
very miserable all day. Did not do much of anything
Tuesday 11th. Maggie & I got commenced to wash when we spied Mr.
Foulds coming so we for awhile he only remained a short
time & then went to the shanty so we finished washing a great
many clothes this week. W.F. got back in time for tea. We spent
a very pleasant evening (sic). several illegible words We did
not go to bed till after 11 we all like Mr. F. ve,y much. He is
such good company a lovely day
Wednesday 12th. a beautiful day Mr. F. left about 10 Oclock
Albert got a new pair of Mogosins (sic). Sewing a little
Thursday 13th. very busy ironing, starching, xxcc. Very tired
at night. Maggie was at Esther Anns all day so I had to get all
the meals. I went to bed early
84
Friday 14th. Valentines Day. At home all alone Albert is not as
well as he was a day or two ago. Rather stormy day.
Saturday 15th. a lovely day for sure Maggie & Mother went to
Stirling in the Cutter. Maggie home (sic). Josey, Peter &
Robert went to thrash at W. Broadworths. Albert & I all alone
till dark. Magggie received one paper from England. Esther came
here was gone a week. Mr. Corbould (sic) sent it and one from
Richard and one for E. from Richard. Albert got a letter from
Richard. I did not go to bed till 12 Oclock reading.
Sunday 16th. Just as we finished breakfast we spied John Mccann
coming. We all ran upstairs and fastened the doors Mother told
him we were all gone to the Works & he started (sic) for the
Works R. with him. He got half way thene when he said he did not
see any track he turned back when he got on the track he saw us
starting for Stirling so he ran his horse after us & caught up in
the woods when we got almost there Esther Ann told him to go
someplace else we did not want him with us so he left us (sic) to
dinner at Speys (sic) stayed till 4 Oclock. Had a nice time
Monday 17th. a charming day Albert went to Stirling in the
Cutter brought Mother home got a new pair of boots for me a nice
dress for Maggie
85
Tuesday 16th. Albert & I went as far as Tharnon (sic) ln the
Cutter we started for Bowses (sic) but met him on the road. Got
home at 1 Oclock. I enjoyed the drive very much. A very windy
day a mild wind though looks like a thaw
Wednesday 19th. doing housework & sewing at Maggies dress
Thursday 20th. sewing a little after 12 Mr. Foulds came. He did
not stop only a few minutes but went down to Sprys we expected
him back to tea and waited a long time but he did not come at all
we were greatly disapointed
Friday 21st. Mr. F. came back at 11 Oclock so we all had dinner
& then we got ready to go up home with Mr. Foulds, that is Esther
Albert & I. We left at half past two Oclock & got to Hastings a
little after dark had a very pleasant ride a very pleasant day
for driving remainded at Mr. Foulds over night they have a very
nice home & everything comfortable
Saturday 22nd. a lovely morning after breakfast we went out to
see the Village & the people we called at Mr. William Foulds, Mr.
James Foulds & Mr. Sharps they have all got beautiful houses
heated with hot air & furnished beautifully drove to Percy in the
afternoon came back to tea at Mr. Sharps a nice little party
there dancing singing xxcc. Spent a very pleasant evening did
not so to bed till 2 Oclock. 1hey are all verY kind people:-- oie
86
never received such kindness from strangers before
Sunday 23rd. quite a pleasant day. We stopped at Mrs. Sharps
till Church time 3 Oclock after Church we went to Mr. Henery
Foulds again. Mr. & Mrs. Sharp & some others spent the evening
with us. I was quite ill all day felt miserable
Monday 24th. We got up in the morning with the intention of
starting home but it was impossible in such a storm it was
terribly stormy & windy all day the greatest storm we have had
this winter we spent the afternoon and evening at Mr. William
Foulds another party there dancing music (sic) xxcc. They are
all such lively people. They are all Scotch people
Tuesday 25th. a pleasant morning we got up very early and
started about 7 Oclock for home. The roads were fearfully
drifted. I never saw anything like it in In the Works
from 12 till 1/2 past 3. W.F. had some business to look after
so we did not get home till it was almost past I
enjoyed the drive though. W.F. is such a great talker no danger
of getting lonely. We did not go to bed till quite late at night
all the time
Wednesday 26th. a lovely day Mr. F. left about 10 Oclock doing
housework sewing a little I feel quite stupid after such a long
drive went to bed at 9 Oclock
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Thursday 27th. E & I washing a fearfully stormy & windy day the
snow is in fearful drifts now
Friday 28th. Drying clothes ironing doing hous~work xxcc
March 1862
Saturday 1st. very busy in the forenoon cleaning sweeping
dusting. I finished the ironing went out to the Works with Josey
in the Cutter. Maggie Johns & I collecting for Mr. Preston.
Tramping through the snow all the afternoon we had very good
success. Took tea at Mrs. Bleechers. Got home a little after
dark. Spent a very pleasant time
Sunday 2nd. a charming day almost like a May day spent a quiet
forenoon. About 3 Oclock Esther, Maggie, Josey & I went to see
old Mr. Sprys & took tea at Richardsons. Got home a little
before dark
Monday 3rd. a very disagreeable day raining part of the time
blowing, thawing, freezing, xxcc. E & I washing got done at noon
sewing after dinner
Tuesday 4th. a very pleasant day after tea we all went out to
the Works to a Concert. Mr. Simazer (sic) & sons were the
singers. It was a failure, the boys had such bad colds. The
roads are in a fearful state at present the snow is very deep.
88
Angeline Bentley came home with us we had a very pleasant time
and a nice drive got home at 4
Wednesday 5th. busy as usual making cakes xxcc. In the evening
Thomas Campion came & Wm. Young (sic) came for Mother to go up
home with him. I am so sorry for we expect company this week in
fact we are looking for them every day and hour
Thursday 6th. a pleasant calm day. We are all very busy.
Mother left after breakfast and we have any quantity of men
helping to thresh. I had bread to make & bake, made a pound cake
Very busy till after 3 Oclock never sat down till after 3 about 7
Oclock in the evening Mr. Foulds drove up he was all alone we
spent a very pleasant evening dancing talking, xxcc. Went to bed
sometime after 12.
Friday 7th. a glorious morning after I got the work done up I
took a long walk on Mr. Fs. snowshoes. I like walking on them.
Made an apron for little Hannah. Angeline, Esther & I alone
till about 3 Oclock. & Mr. F. left at 10 Oclock for Marys.
Mr. F. came back in the afternoon we spent a pleasant time till
time. We spent such a pleasant evening Angeline makes
us all laugh so much
89
Saturday 8th. another cloudy day Mr. F. left at 10 Oclock for
home so we had all our work to do after that just got through
cleaning & dinner over when Annie & Mrs. & Mr. Young came got
dinner for them & the dishes off of the table when James Read &
his wife came got dinner for them so then we got dishes washed
and the work done up it was time for tea I felt almost tired out
I went to bed rather early about 1/2 past 9 I was so sleepy it
has been thawing for three days & nights more or less. The snow
has settled a great deal lately.
BEGINNING OF THE BLUE PAGES SEWN INTO THE BACK OF THE BOOK
Sunday 9th. a lovely day quite warm. Just six years today since
my dear Father died. A great many changes since then. A great
many of our dear friends have left this world of care anf sorrow
in that time. I felt very miserable all day. Annie & Mrs. Young
left at 11 Oclock. A short time after they left Dan & Maggie
Johns came here. I was sorry to see them coming we all but
Esther went out to Church [Angeline went home with us she has
been here a week Mr. Preston preached an excellent
sermon we got home at 1/2 past 8 Oclock
Monday 10th. a very miserable day rain all day
the snow going off as fast as possible. E & I washing did not
get through till night. I went to bed early. Old Mr. Jones died
at. 1 Oclock this afternoon he was almost 90 years old
90
Tuesday 11th. a lovely day. It froze quite hard last night &
today it is freezing in the shade & thawing like everything where
the sun shines. Albert started for Belleville this morning. I
was very busy ironing all the afternoon putting out the clothes
and cleaning in the forenoon. About 4 Oclock Mr. Preston came
here from the Works. I was alone all the afternoon till the
children came from school. Esther was over to Jones from dinner
time till dark in the evening. I received 2 papers from E.G.W.
We got 6 papers altogether & one letter for E. from E. Downing.
Wednesday 12th. a lovely day they have all but myself gone away
Maggie & E went to the funeral with Mr. Preston. All but myself
are at Stirling so I spent a very quiet day. I felt about half
sick all day with a cold. I have some lovely Pinks in bloom now.
I did not get to bed till late had to wait up till the bread
baked.
Thursday 13th. a cold day we all (but Esther) have got very
bad colds & conjestion for my part I feel very miserable Not
much of my time but housework. I took a walk down to
Richard's barn beautiful walking on the crust the snow is so hard
Friday 14th. a cloudy dull day a week ago we were invited to a
tea meeting and Concert at Hastings Maggie & Albert did
intend going but Albert felt so miserable he gave up the notion
Poor Maggie is so disapointed. Esther Ann & & Margaret
91
Bird spent the day were here to dinner & tea [they walked over]
fast about 4 Oclock & Albert took them home at
-----
9 Oclock in the Sleigh. She is a awful woman to talk not much
sense about it either. Went to bed at 11 Oclock
Saturday 15th. quite a heavy fall of snow last night snowing
____ Josey went in Stirling for a print (sic) busy most of the
day cleaning. This is the first Saturday we have been alone &
along came William Young brought Mother home she has been away 10
days. Maria's baby was born on the 13th, a Thursday.
Sunday 16th. snowing very fast all day it has been snowing two
days two nights.
day of it, too.
with Maria (sic)
We were all alone today spent a very pleasant
Maggie went back with William for to stay a week
Monday 17th. St. Patricks Day is this morning. Tt1e snow is very
deep there is about six inches of snowfall. I went out to the
Works with Albert finished up collecting got nineteen dollars all
together we got home at 4 Oclock
felt tired
to bed very early for I
Tuesday 18th. a lovely day we got an early dinner & then Albert
E & I went up to Wm. Fidlars we did not get home till about 11
Oclock we spent a very pleasant afternoon & evening. They are
such sensible people besides _several illegible wordL At the
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Works I received a paper from Richard. Esther received a letter
from Aggie Potts.
Wednesday 19th. a charming day. E & I washing. I tapped two
trees in the afternoon the sap came fast it is quite warm today.
Just after we had supper Mr. Foulds came got his tea ready after.
I do not feel very well I feel so stupid several illegible words
Thursday 20th. such a lovely sun shining day thawing very fast I
was doing housework most of the day sewing at my gown. Mr. F.
was in the woods all day came back in the evening. Esther Ann
spent the afternoon & evening with us we spent quite a pleasant
evening I received a letter from Susan Andrews
Friday 21st. a fearfully stormy day. I am sure not anyone else
saw it snow faster than it did this forenoon. At 2 Oclock
William Foulds, Albert, Esther & I went to Stirling to a tea
Meetimg in the Presbyterian Church. It snowed all the way we had
a very pleasant drive though got there awhile before dark went to
the tea meeting at 7 Oclock had a good tea & some very good
speeches Esther & I went up to Annies. Albert & William Foulds
stopped at the Hotel on account of their having everthing torn up
to move they could not accomodate them. We did not get to bed
till after 12. We spent a very pleasant night.
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Saturday 22nd. My birthday 23rd birthday. Storming a little we
got home at 2 Oclock had a verY pleasant drive the are
very good indeed. Annie is all prepared for moving in the
tavern. Foulds left a little after 4 Oclock for home I felt very
tired when I got home I went to bed very early
Sunday 23rd. a very fine day but very bad walking it is thawing
very fast we went to the in the morning in the afternoon
we went to Church (at 4 Oclock now) Not many there. Minnie (that
is Mrs. Preston) came home with us got tea at home.
Monday 24th. a dull kind of a day we were busy most of the day
washing. About 2 Oclock William Hart, William Hamilton, & his
brother of Thurlow called remained a short time [insert
illegible]
Tuesday 25th. a charming day. After we got our work done in the
morning Minnie, Esther, little Sarah & I drove to old Mrs. Johns
& took dinner. Ouite a cold day. Took tea at Mrs. Barnes got
home at dark spent a very pleasant day. I received 4 papers from
E.G.W.
Wednesday 26th. a lovely day again. I have been very busy
ironing almost all day. Feel very tired tonight. After dinner
Esther, Maggie, Minnie, Josey & little Sarah went to Bentleys to
tea. Thawing very fast today. We made a bowl of maple molasses
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today. They got home at 8 Oclock. Kate Bentley came home with
them
Thursday 27th. a lovely day. I sewing at Maggies
gingham dress. Spent a quiet day & went to bed early
Friday 28th. another lovely day. John Crawford & Sarah Chisholm
came at 11 Oclock a little after 12 Mr. Preston & Aggie Potts
came they were all here to dinner. We are all of us almost tired
out with visitors. In the afternoon Doctor Parker came stopped
till after tea & Kate Bentley (sic) with him. Mr. Preston,
Minnie & Aggie were here all night. I for my part spent a very
dull evening I cannot tell why we went to bed quite early.
Saturday 29th. a lovely day they all left about 9 Oclock. Aggie
went to the Works to spend a few days. I felt miserable in the
afternoon took a little nap. Tomy Campion took tea with us. We
promised him & Reynolds (sic) in the morning to go and see poor
James Downing [to meet at 8 Oclock tomorrow morning] E. & I
walked over to Esther Anns for a short time just as we got home
George Jones came over & told us that James Downing was dead. He
died on Friday 28th at 9 Oclock in the evening I am so sorry we
did not see him before he died. Oh, such a warning to people to
be prepared young as well as old die. Our friends are dropping
off on every side. I feel very tonight. This is a
lovely night. We intend starting very early in the morning to
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the funeral.
Sunday 30th. very lovely forenoon we left at 7 Oclock for the
funeral just got there in time. The sermon was preached in the
Town Hall at Bridgewater the text was the two verses of the 23rd
Psalm after the sermon was preached we all drove to the burying
ground at Thomasburg 14 miles from Bridgewater. The wind was
blowing fearfully all the way a cold east wind. I was almost
frozen when we got there. James looked quite natural only he was
very thin he was sick so long. After the burial we drove to
Stirling. It Thundered &Lightening fearfully (rain & snowed a
little) on the road we stopped at Mr. Downings all night felt
very tired when we got there [Albert & Tomy stopped at Annies]
Monday 31st. We called to see Annie in the morning the roads
(sic) are very bad we did not get home till after 1 Oclock it
rained a little all the way I felt almost tired out when we got
home did not do much of anything in the afternoon I can hardly
make myself believe that James Downing is dead poor fellow I hope
he has gone to a better world [Mr. Foulds & his foreman presented
us girls with a beautiful Canada Carsage]
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April 1862
Tuesday 1st. Fool Day. E. & I washing most of the day a very
pleasant day but thawing a great deal
Wednesday 2nd. a very windy day rained a little. John McMillan
and his cousin were here all day & finished the Canoe. Quite a
large one
Thursday 3rd. Thawing very fast I was scarcely out of doors all
day finished Maggies gingham dress I am very glad indeed this is
very pleasant weather but a person does not feel all together
right got quite cold in the evening
Friday 4th. a lovely frozen morning. The boys have all gone to
the buah to tap the trees for to make sugar made mo1·e than half a
pail of molasses making of cakes for Maggie
Saturday 5th. a very windy & sunny (sic) day got very pleasant
in the evening so Tomy, Josey, Maggie & I went out to the Works
Capital sleighing to the Works expect a ! received 6
papers & a letter from E.G.W. and his likeness also one paper & a
letter from Richaard & also Rich'd likeness a very good one.
Great excitement so many papers & letters
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Sunday 6th. Albert, Maggie, Josey & I ~~~~- on this
crust to Meeting in the morning very wintry melting I felt very
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tired when I got home reading till three Oclock & then we all
went out to Church. W. Preston preached at 4 Oclock a very good
sermon & very short one. We got home before sundown. Had a nice
~rive (sic)
Monday 7th. a lovely day. E. & I washing part of the day put a
quilt in the frames after we got through I feel very tired
tonight. It is a lovely moonlight night
Tuesday 8th. quilting most of the day doing housework the rest
Wednesday 9th. the boys sugared off 26 pounds of sugar in the
afternoon. I had the ironing all to do today. I had a very bad
pain between my shoulders I put on a mustared (sic) plaster and
took off the skin. It pained me a good deal. I received a paper
from E.G.W. I felt very lonely today
Thursday 10th. lovely day the snow has gone off very fast today.
Mr. & Mrs. Rose came out here at 1/2 past 10 remained till about
three. I don't know when I ever felt so ill as I did all day
today. I suffered a great deal with my shoulder after I took off
the blaster it was all in a blister felt very bad at that time
(sic)
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Friday 11th. I felt much better this morning a lovely warm day
sewing a little at my sun bonnet. I went over to the sugar bush
on horseback to see them sugar off had a nice little ride.
Maggie spent the afternoon at Esther Anns. I went to bed early
Saturday 12th. a lovely day but very bad roads. James dog bit
Jane (sic) several words deep in the afternoon so I put on
Alberts boots went over & told them about it & to kill their dog
got back in time to milk. Eight cows to milk now. Any amount
of work to do [the roads are in a fearful state]
Sunday 13th. a dull looking day outdoors a very dull day in the
house. I feel very lonely today reading & sleeping most of the
time till milking time
Monday 14th. a cloudy day I do not know when I ever spent such a
lonesome day. The Creek is almost all open now [I launched our
Canoe]
Tuesday 15th & Wednesday 16th. altering Maggies Challey (sic)
dress such a trouble it is too very muddy around here now Tily
Creek looks like a lake at present I never knew it to be so high
before we can go almost to the barn door with the Canoe
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Thursday 17th. E. & I washing a very warm day & windy we got
through floor & all at 3 Oclock when Mr. Foulds came in a buggy &
two horses. Spent a very dull evening but it seems very quiet
[The roads are in a fea~ful state he had to swim the horses]
Friday 18th. a dull rainy day Mr. F. went down [in the morning]
the Creek in the Canoe to the shanty got back at 6 Oclock William
Young came in the evening the water is fearfully high we spent a
very pleasant evening did not go to bed till late I like William
F. very well
Saturday 19th. Mr. F. broke down on the road to the Works got it
mended at the Works a beautiful day William Foulds left at 10
Oclock E. wrote a note to Mr. Capall (sic) and one to Miss.
Lalavian (sic) just for fun she is very very (and left them in
the after Albert went out to the Works had to go through
the three mile woods & then up the Marmara road on account of so
much water on the roads. I received a paper from E.G.W. a note &
a likeness of himself and two sisters taken together I was over
to Esther Anns a little while after r got through cleaning I went
to bed early.
Sunday 20th. a lovely day we all went to Meeting in the morning
spent the afternoon in reading & sleeping took a walk the fields
are getting nice & dry
100
Monday 21st. a very disagreeable day commenced raining at dinner
time quite cold too I am busy making Maggie a Jacket out of her
grey (sic) cape we were all singing at a great rate in the·
evening [rained till next morning the troOghs are full of water]
Tuesday 22nd. raining till morn E. & I washing finished Maggie's
Jacket after I got through it looks well on her I did not go to
bed till quite late was reading
Wednesday 23rd. commenced freezing this morning the wind is
blowing & it is quite cold Albert Jones commenced to work at 10
Oclock today
Thursday 24th. a lovely day Llewyn Williams came over before
dinner & stopped till after tea. He fixed our saddle a little
Josey was out to the Works and brought a paper from Richard for
Albert, Maggie & I each one. Esther & I both received a letter
from I one from Fannie Whitmarsh & E. from Mary
we have never seen either of them they want us to visit them this
summer I also received papers from E.G.W. Great excitement
hearing from people we never saw [E. & I were for a l in the
Canoe] [eleven papers all together]
Friday 25th. a charming day the trees are beginning to
not doing much of anything rambling about the fields part of time
101
Saturday 26th. Oh, such a lovely day but I feel very lonely
indeed the boys are in the bGsh the saps been very fast today
made pies after I got through cleaning I answered Miss. F.
Whitmarshs latrar this afternoon 10 cows to milk & cannot get a
girl so we all have to work E. & I did not get to bed till 12
9clock Tommy Campion was here and was telling us such funny yarns
made us laugh so much.
Sunday 27th. a lovely day for sure Maggie & I took a walk in the
woods & got a lot of May flowers the first we saw this spring
Esther Ann came over after dinner so we all took a walk down to
[the] Moira River. The water looks beautiful we got back before
tea Just as we got through milking it commenced raining I went to
bed early lt very sleepy
Monday 28th. rained fast till after 12 Oclock and then it was
very dull all the afternoon
Tuesday 29th. a lovely day E. & I washing I cleaned the floor
after
Wednesday 30th. charming day I went over to the schoolhouse for
the childrens books in the morning. Got dinner ready after I
came back After dinner Tommy Campion, Maggie, Josey & I went more
than a mile down the Creek for a sail in the Canoe. Spent a very
pleasant day although just as we got done milking, W. Newburg,
102
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w. Mccloud (sic) came to tea. We went to bed quite early they
are such quiet men. I received two papers from E.G.W. So that
is the last of this month. [Tilly Creek looks beautiful at
present] [one year ago today since Richard left a great many
changes
May 1862
Thursday 1st. raining a little all day. Oh, we were so
disapointed because we could not go to the Concert at Stirling we
have been talking about it such a long time I don't think I ever
felt so disapointed in my life. It was a very disagreeable day,
Maggie & I willing to go but Albert would not. Mr. Newburg & Mr,
McCloud (sic) left after dinner. I spent a very miserable day.
I went to bed early
Friday 2nd. in the afternoon Albert & Maggie went to Stirling.
In the afternoon it rained very hard about an hour after they
left. I was fixing my muslin dress
Saturday 3rd. Albert got home about 2 Oclock. Maggie remained
in Stirling [Maggies birthday] Esther Ann spent the afternoon
with us spent it very pleasantly
Sunday 4th. A cloudy day E. & I took a long walk in the morning
Isaac, Neil & =I~~~-Spry was here to dinner in the afternoon
John Richardion, Esther Ann, Margaret William & Richard
....................
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Broadworth were here. They all left before tea. We got tea &
done the milking & then went for a walk as far as the woods met
Mr. Preston & Arthur Preston coming out on horseback so we came
back with them a very pleasant evening as they were tired we went
to bed early
Monday 5th. a lovely morning but quite showery in the afternoon
Arthur & Mr. Preston left (sic) about 9 Oclock. Arthur is a
great I felt very miserable all day doing a little of
everything
Tuesday 6th. E. & I washing most (sic) of the day quite a chilly
day. I feel very lonely every day now. I took a walk for the
cows in the evening
Wednesday 7th. a lovely day but quite cool though. I was very
busy all day done all the ironing & starching. We had a large
washing too. E.A.B. took dinner with us went to bed quite early
Thursday 8th. this is indeed a lovely day. Esther and I left
here at 9 Oclock for to go to the Works (we walked) took dinner
at Bentleys and tea at Roses. We spent a very pleasant day. Had
a great deal of fun. Everybody was as good as they could be to
us. Got home at sundown pleasant walking now. I received papers
from E.G.W. E. a letter from Aunty Potts. I felt a little tired
when I got home
104
Friday 9th. day very sultry suffocating wind. Albert
commenced sowing grain yesterday. I was working in the garden a
good part of today sewing the rest of the day
Saturday 10th. done up our work in the forenoon sewing in the
afternoon. Angeline & Maggie Bentley walked out got here at 4
Oclock a very windy day in the evening Mr. Foulds came in a sulky
(sic). Beare (sic) over in the evening. We spent a very
pleasant evening dancing, singing, xxcc. Did not get to bed till
after 1 Oclock
Sunday 11th. a lovely day after got the work done we went for a
walk got a bunch (sic) of May flowers I enjoyed the walk very
much did not get back till after 12 after we had dinner Maggie &
Angeline went home we all went as far as Liggetts Hill with them
came back across the fields. Albert, Esther & Josey went up to
Esther Anns they got their tea there. Mr. F., Maggie & I came
home we had a nice quiet talk for a short time before they came
home [I like him very much) We all went to bed early. I felt
very tired and I did not feel very well either [I received a
letter from Fannie Whitmarsh)
Monday 12th. a lovely morning I was up at 4 Oclock felt quite
ill all night slept very little I feel miserable in fact I cannot
tell how I do feel. Mr. Foulds left about 9 Oclock for Stirling
& we gi.r.l.s went.. into t.he housecleaning at~a great rate comme.nc.ed
105
the parlor working very hard all day but did not get through [no
one knows what trouble I have on my mind (sicn I went to bed
early
Tuesday 13th. commenced to rain at six in the morning & rained
-till 2 in the afternoon. We finished Parlor & done all the
dining room today. I was almost tired out (sic) at night in fact
we all were Katez (sic) Jenkinson came in the evening to help to
clean downstairs
Wednesday 14th. a lovely day for sure we were all of us up to
the cleaning up to our eyes did not get through till after dark
but one consolation is we have finished all our white washing.
Oh, I feel very very tired tonight. We have done a great deal of
work today. What a beautiful sunset tonight. I feel too tired
to sleep. The roads & fields are beginning to look charming now.
They are so green and nice and dry for walks. We all went to bed
early.
Thursday 15th. quite a warm day. E. & I washing in the
forenoon. I was working in the garden after dinner planting
flower seeds. Bill Jenkinson is spading the garden in the
afternoon I feel very lonely today. The boys are very busy in
the field sowing, plowing, dragging xxcc.
106
Friday 16th. a very very warm day! was working in the garden
most of the day planting beets onions xxcc
Saturday 17th. a very hot day more like July than May very busy
all day I felt very lonely in the evening. I received a paper
from E.G.W. I went to bed at 1/2 past ten a very warm night too
warm to sleep comfortable
Sunday 18th. at seven Oclock in the morning it is very pleasant
a little cooler than last night but fearfully hot in the
afternoon. E. & I went to Church left here at 1/2 past 10
stopped at Bentleys all day. Mr. Preston & Arthur came home with
us we got home at dusk commenced to Thunder & Lightening
fearfully Just as we got home I was very tired and had a very bad
headache when I got home. We went to bed early but the
mosquitoes were very troublesome.
Monday 19th. a cold snowy (sic) day wind blowing at a great rate
such a change from hot to cold in one night. Mr. P. & Arthur
left at ten Oclock I felt very miserable all day
Tuesday 20th. a beautiful day a little warmer working in the
garden and sewing doing housework, xxcc.
Wednesday 21st. a very pleasant forenoon. E. & I washing got
through at dinner time in the afternoon it rained very fast
Thunder & Lightening in. the evening rained fearfull ...............
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Thursday 22nd. this is not pleasant at all one day it will be
very hot next cold next very windy xxcc put out the clothes in
the morning ironing starching all the rest (sic) of the day!
answered Fannies letter mailed it today I received a letter from
Minnie today
Friday 23rd. a lovely day E. & I thought of walking to the Works
after dinner but at 12 Oclock who should come along but Mrs.
Bradey, Barkley, Bleacher & Mrs. Elmer. I was so much
disapointed but I walked out with them myself after tea. Stopped
at Mrs. Blechers all night
Saturday 24th. a lovely day I left the Works at 1/2 past 9 got a
chance with Mr. Stedman. He had a beautiful horse and Carriage
arrived in Stirling a little after eleven. Aggie & Miss. Hanley
called in the afternoon 1 went to see Minnie she has been quite
poorly
Sunday 25th. a lovely cheering day I went to Church twice and
took a long walk besides with James Crawford
Monday 26th. Tuesday 27th & Wednesday 28th. several illegible
words made my calico dress & knit (sic) cape. Took tea with
Aggie and Miss Hanley
108
Thursday 29th & Friday 30th. Saturday 31st. spent a very
pleasant week although I was quite ill part of the time had some
very nice walks [The boys finished their spring work)
June 1st 1862
Sunday 1st. a dry dusty (sic) day went to Church in the morning
came home with Mr. Preston in the afternoon went to Church in
Marmora came home on horseback I spent a week in Stirling and it
never rained all the time very dry weather the flies are very
thick
Monday 2nd. a beautiful day. Mr. P. left at 11 Oclock. I felt
very miserable all day not doing much only the housework
Tuesday 3rd. picking wool all day dry weather yet we need rain
very much
Wednesday 4th. finished the wool greased it and got it all ready
Albert & Mother started for Stirling at 3 Oclock with the wool
Thursday 5th. another lovely day we were all very busy. E. & I
washing. Maggie doing the housework. Albert came home in the
evening brought E. & I new dresses, cloth for jackets, shoes,
xxcc. Mother is so good to get us things
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Friday 6th. a very warm dry day I was so busy all day ironing
starching felt tired but went to the Works on horse back with
Albert. Had a very pleasant ride did not remain any time at the
Works. I was greatly disapointed at not getting a letter tonight
Saturday 7th. quite a shower of rain in the morning did not last
long though all day made currant pies the first and cakes
scrubbed the floor I felt very tired at night E.A.B. (sic) spent
the afternoon with us I received a French paper from E.G.W.
Sunday 8th. this is indeed a lovely day we did not get up till
after 8 Oclock had breakfast at 1/2 past nine lunch at 2 took tea
at Esther Annes left Albert to keep house. E. Maggie & I went
by Liggetts to see Catherines baby it is just one week old. Her
troubles are commencing I think. I feel very very lonely tonight
spent a very pleasant day though. I wish Mother was home again
it is so dull without her
Monday 9th. another warm dry day. Mending all the time after I
got my work done I went to bed very early
Tuesday 10th. we got up very early as the boys started up the
lake to fish at six a lovely morning E. & I washing. We got up
so early we got through with it at noon but I was busy till tea
time cleaning the Cook House out, the stoop & kitchen, xxcc. My
shoulder pains me a great deal
110
Wednesday 11th. not doing much but housework very warm Josey
went to the Works got a letter from Annie for E.
Thursday 12th. quite a shower in the afternoon it will do a
great deal of good. William Young came in the evening (sic) got
tea for him
Thursday 12th a lovely day a little cooler after the rain Albert
went to the Works in the waggon for Mother got back at tea E.
received a letter from Richard Maggie & I each a paper E.
received a letter from Thomas C. I received a paper from E.G.W.
sent me his likeness in a paper. Mother got a great many things
for us all I feel so excited I am so glad she has got home again
We got an invitation to Mr. Caldwells picnic next Tuesday. I
feel so lonely tonight
Friday 13th. sewing at my white petticoat doing housework most
of the time E. spent the day with Esther Ann
Saturday 14th. a lovely day again cleaning making cakes &
received two papers from E.G.W. & a beautiful stamp for letters
in them
Sunday 15th. Quite a cool day in the morning we all went to
Meeting after dinner E. & Albert went out to Church on horseback.
Mother & I had a long walk got a few strawberries. Mr. Corbould
came home with them in the evening, He is as great a man as
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ever. Mr. Preston went home to marry Martha Hautan (sic)
Monday 16th. a cold morning quite a hard frost last night it
will do a great deal of damage the berries (sic) are all killed.
Corbould here all day have not laughed so much in a long time as
I did at that goose he kept us almost killing ourselves all day.
I finished my petticoat went to bed early
Tuesday 17th. a lovely day Corbould left at 9 Oclock. E & !
washing a nice cool wind today. I feel better today than I have
for some time past preparing for the picnic
Wednesday 18th Got up early started for the picnic at 8 Oclock.
Esther, Albert, Maggie & I all on horseback. When we got there
the wind was blowing wrong so the Crib could not be taken down.
We had the dinner across the river & then danced on the green.
Had a fiddler (sic) Mr. Rose left in a passion (sic) it rained a
little in the afternoon after this shower was over about twenty
of us went down the river about two miles in Mr. Caldwells large
boat. We got home at dark very tired I can assure you I must say
I did not enjoy myself much but the people were very kind indeed
raining quite fast when we were coming home
Thursday 19th. a little shower in the morning a lovely afternoon
I was very busy ironing most of the day cut out a jacket for
Maggie in .the evening I felt quite tired after y,;,sterdays
112
excitement
Friday 20th. a lovely day quite cool doing a little of
everything washed my calico dress and Maggies finished Maggies
jacket
Saturday 21st. a beautiful day done the cleaning made pies xxcc
& went all round the fields looking for strawberries very few
this year took a walk after as far as the school house
came back went to bed early after we had all got to bed Mr.
Foulds came in a Sulky. Esther, Albert & I got up did not get to
bed till after 1 Oclock spent a few hours very pleasantly.
Sunday 22nd. another lovely day we did not get breakfast till
late. Oh, I had such a nice long talk with Mr. F. after tea I
like him so much. I like him better every time I see him
Pleasant day singing a good deal
Monday 23rd. a very sultry day. Mr. F. left at 8 Oclock for
Stirling at 10 E & I went to the Works on horseback I went to
bring her horse home she remained at Bentleys is going to
Stirling tomorrow I felt very miserable all day the mosquitoes
were so thick I scarcely closed my eyes all night I never knew
them to be so bad before
113
Tuesday 24th. Saint Johns Day. Rained all day and very hard in
the evening this is the first rain of any consequence this summer
it will do a great deal of good to the crops. Maggie & I washing
a very large one this week and new soap to do it with all the
skin is taken off my hands about. They are very sore. We were
almost tired out at night went to bed early
Thursday 26th. a lovely day but I feel quite unwell but doing
all the ironing no rest for the wicked
Friday 27th. a very hot day I finished my cloth jacket it looks
very nice
Saturday 28th. I had all the house to clean today myself pies
to make xxcc never sat down till after milking was done Thomas
Campion came in the evening
Sunday 29th. a very warm day we all went to Meeting in the
afternoon received a letter from E.G.W. Thomas and I went back
to Church a large congregation preached an excellent sermon went
to tea at Bentleys had strawberries and Blast (sic) the first
strawberries when we got to the flat it
commenced raining in torrents fearful storm to be in we were
drenched to the skin it was almost over when we got home I felt
quite cool I can asure you I went to bed very early felt stupid
and ti red after my bath it rained a gre,at deal
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Monday 30th. a cloudy morning everything looks beautiful after
the rain. T.C. left this morning a lovely afternoon Maggie & I
picking strawberries all the afternoon did not get many felt very
tired when we got back
July 1862
Tuesday 1st. a lovely day but too warm making a slip (sic) for
Maggie I received two papers from E.G.W. I don't felt too well
all day today we went to the Works in the evening on horseback
Wednesday 2nd. this is realy a lovely day Maggie & I washing
cleaning xxcc the boys are working on the roads. I felt very
tired at night
Thursday 3rd. a very warm day I done all the ironing sewing a
little finished a tin pail of gooseberries late when I went to
bed was sewing
Friday 4th. sewing most of the day made a cheese Irisannah
Sarrter (sic) commenced to spin this morning feel well today
Saturday 5th. a very warm day I done all the cleaning upstairs
and down and got through at dinner time didn't feel tired either
after tea Albert & I started to Johns on horseback got there at
dusk spent a pleasant time did not sleep much it was so very
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Sunday 6th. a very hot d9y we left Johns early got to Marias at
10 Oclock Maggie & Dan went with us stopped at Marias 1/2 past 3
went to Prestons & took tea did not leave for home till after
five got home at 1/2 past 10 I felt very tired spent a very
pleasant day
Monday 7th. a very warm sultry day in bed part of the day I feel
very miserable indeed cut out the waist of Esthers dress the long
ride was too much for me it was so warm too went to bed early
Tuesday 8th. I feel much better this morning sewing a good part
of the day Maggie went out to the Works after dinner brought a
letter to me from Mary F. the first two papers from E.G.W. I did
not go to bed till late reading (sic)
Wednesday 9th. Maggie & I washing in the forenoon rained till 1
Oclock I took a walk up as far as Richardsons took tea there
Thursday 10th. Picking raspberries in the forenoon almost tired
out when I got home did not do much of anything in the afternoon
received two papers from E.G.W. I answered M.F.s letter after
the rest went to bed
Friday 11th. a beautiful day very busy all day ironing making
pies xxcc after we had tea Esther Ann, Margaret Read, Eliza
Porter & Kate Bentle,y came got tE>.a for th,;,fll .d.id. ne>t set 1:Q becl.
116
till 12 Oclock (Josey & Maggie went to Stirling in the afternoon]
Saturday 12th of July. a lovely day a very cool morning Albert
went to a picnic up the lake he went to Fidlars first Albert left
at ten Kate stopped till after dinner I feel very miserable a bad
cold and sore throat feel quite ill busy all day took warm drinks
and I went to bed early in the evening Maggie & Josey got home
Elizabeth Downing back with them D. Johns came with Albert
[Maggie brought the letter back that I sent to Miss M.F.(sic)]
Sunday 13th. a very comfortable day not so hot as it has been
they all went to hear Mr. Rose preach but me. I feel so very
miserable did not feel like going laying down a good part of the
day answered Miss M.Fs. letter after the rest went to bed.
Monday 14th. nice and cool in the afternoon all but Mother & I
went to pick berries got a nice lot of them I did not feel well
all day. A little better than I did yesterday though. Elizabeth
& Albert went to the Works on horseback. Mr. Downing came here
this morning
Tuesday 15th. a cloudy day rained a little not to amount to
anything I feel so much better this evening I do not know what to
do with myself E. & I was
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Wednesday 16th. making a SENTENCE SCRATCHED OUT after
tea who should come so unexpectedly and surprise so much but
James Crawford & James Jones from Stirling we spent a very
pleasant evening went to bed in good time
Thursday 17th. They left here at 9 Oclock to go up the lake
fishing we were so busy all day went to bed early
Friday 18th. a beautiful day doing housework most of the day
sewing a litttle just as we got through with our dinner James
Crawford & Thomas & James Jones came along got their dinners
ready and they left at 4 Oclock we had a very nice time while
they were here after tea Esther & I went out to the Works on
horseback spent a very pleasant evening about the Village James
Crawfords were there it was after ten when we got home I received
a letter from Miss M.F. (sic)
Saturday 19th a rainy looking day I. worked very hard today John
Downing & Thomas Campion came in the evening I had to get their
tea ready
Sunday 20th raining a little most of the day E. & I went up as
far as Alex McCallins (sic)
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Monday 21st. E. & r did a large washing Elizabeth & Johnny left
after dinner Josey & I picked 6 quarts of berries in the
afternoon
Tuesday 22nd. rained most of the day I answered Miss M.F.s
letter cut out Maggies dress went to bed early
Wednesday 23rd. rained fearfully hard part of the day I felt
very miserable all day just at dusk who in the world did we get
unexpected in the rain should come driving up but Dr. English,
Miss Hanley & Aggie Potts we were in a great way for beds (sic)
was confusion for awhile
Thursday 24th. Doctor left at 11. Commenced shortly after and
rained all day some fearful showers. I felt quite ill all day
spent a nice quiet day. Miss Hanley is such a nice girl she was
playing & singing for us
Friday 25th. this is a lovely morning very busy as usual in the
evening Miss. Hanley & l went for a ride on horseback to the
Works to the
Saturday 26th. ~~~ beautiful day we were all very busy after
l got the work done in the evening Miss Hanley, Aggie & I went
for a walk as far as the School House had a dance after dark Miss
H. played & the rest danced
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Sunday 27th. a warm (sic) day just as we were getting ready for
Church John Crawford & Angeline B. came driving up in his old
buggy had to get dinner for them then we all went but Mother &
Esther. We took tea at Bentleys. The Doctor.drove up for them
they left in the evening. Mr. P. came home with us. I felt very
tired when I got home and had a bad headache
Monday 28th. a very showery day Mr. P. spent the whole day with
us I sure put in such a miserable day
Tuesday 29th. Wednesday 30th Thursday 31st. all past the same
as usual picking berries doing housework
July 1863 (sic)
Friday 1st. finished Maggie's dress
Saturday 2nd. a hot day for scrubbing I felt the heat very much
today
Sunday 3rd. a warm day I spent most of the day rambling about
the fields spent it very pleasantly too
Monday 4th. I got up at 1/2 past 4. E. & I washing at 1/2 past
ten who should come to disturb us but Mr. & Mrs. Ira McCoemal
(sic) we had to leave our washing they left at 3. Shortly after
.... tha~ John..& Jane Richardson came sp.ent th,;, evening
120
Tuesday 5th. putting out the clothes ironing a little doing
various things
Wednesday 6th. this morning a girl came to hire she as a fact
does not know anything I was ironing in the forenoon
PAGES MISSING
February 1863 had my photograph taken
Saturday 28th. came home from Stirling with Albert he drove down
for me have been away almost three weeks spent a very pleasant
time altogether. Annie has got a little baby. I received a
letter from Harry while there
March 1863
Sunday 1st. a very stormy day about 12 Oclock Mrs. Bull and Dan
Johns came remained till the evening
Monday 2nd. a busy day I washed a little ironed a little & done
a little of everything else. In the evening Maria & four
children & Eliza Young came from Madoc (sic) Maggie down then
Maggie drove them from here by Stirling
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Tuesday 3rd. a very cold day Albert, Maggie & I started for
Hastings. Maria for home we went part of the way together &
then three of us rode in the Cutter the rest of the way had a
very pleasant drive got to Hastings at five we took tea there
went to hear Lachlin Tailor lectur it is very interesting to hear
him speak of the Holy Land. We did not get to bed till 2 Oclock
felt very tired
Wednesday 4th. a lovely day but very cold spent a nice quiet
time till about 1 Oclock Mr. & Mrs. Sharp called then Mr. & Mrs.
Foulds a short time after that Mr. & Mrs. Neil and Mrs. Blacklock
called too. We did not leave the house all day till the evening
we went to the ~~~-meeting. Mr. Tailor was there and had a
nice speech got to bed about ten Oclock
Thursday 5th. a lovely day we took dinner at Mrs. Sharps tea at
Mrs. Wm. Foulds called to see Eliza Foulds
Friday 6th. a beautiful day we left about nine Oclock for home
by Stirling Mrs. Foulds brought me home Maggie & Albert came home
after dinner .Mr. F. went to Belleville I remained at Annies
Saturday 7th. I took dinner at Mr. Prestons. Mr. Foulds got
back from B. at 4 Oclock we left for home in the evening had a
lovely drive got home at 9 took tea & went to bed
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Sunday 8th Oh, what a lovely day we all drove over to the School
House to hear
ENTRIES APPEAR TO BE MISSING
PAGE OF VERSE
Monday 30th. a lovely day E. & I washing I felt very tired at
night driving too much tires a person
Tuesday 31st. A splendid day Albert & Maggie went Stirling in
the Sleigh got back in the evening. Mr. Preston came with them
he took tea then went over to see Fitchett (sic) came back and
stopped all night he brought us a lot of Illustrated papers. E.
received two letters one from Mary Whitmarsh the other from Harry
Ician (sic} a paper from Harry Tovert (sic) to bed before any of
the rest
April 1863
Wednesday 1st. April Fool Day.
great fun fooling one another.
Mr. Preston was here. We had
I fooled him several times. E.
spent the whole day at Esther Anns. Snowing very fast in the
evening. I feel very sad and lonely tonight
Thursday 2nd. a beautiful day sewing good part of the day
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Good Friday Friday 3rd. very busy about 11 Oclock Angeline &
Mrs.Bentley, Mrs. Brady, Mrs. Bowen & Hetty came in one Cutter
splendid sleighing yet in the evening we all went out with them
Saturday 4th. a lovely day E & I done our cleaning and then we
started for Beaver Creek to dinner (sic) left there after 6 &
came home Annie & Mrs. Potts were there I felt very very tired
Sunday 5th. rainy kind of a day Annie & M. Potts left after
dinner we went to Church at 3 Oclock but were disapointed Mr.
Whitmarsh did not come
Monday 6th. thawing very fast all day the boys are tapping today
Tuesday 7th. E. & I washing all day a cloudy day I felt quite
ill
Wednesday 8th. a lovely day quite cold Maggie & I went to the
Works in the Cutter. The sleighing is very good only through the
Village. We took dinner at Bentleys
Thursday 9th. thawing very fast a beautiful spring day the boys
are in the sugar bush all day was very busy all day ironing I
feel
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Friday 10th. a lovely morning I took a walk over to Esther Annes
on the crust. Esther spent the whole day at Richardsons raising
Mr. Baxter came in the afternoon in the evening Johnny brought
her home with the sleigh. The boys made 30 weight of sugar today
Saturday 11th. I worked very hard today scrubbing and ironing.
I wrote a letter to Harry in the afternoon felt very very tired
Maggie went to the Works on horseback a very lovely day thawing
very fast the snow has almost went off today never knew it to
thaw so fast raining fast at bedtime we received a letter from
England and two photographs very dark night
Sunday 12th. a lovely day Tily Creek looks like a lake today I
spent such a pleasant day today singing and reading not out of
the house all day
Monday 13th. E & I washing it is a charming day I finished the
blocks for my quilt
Tuesday 14th. I spent the afternoon at Esther Anns the water is
very high in the Creek
Wednesday 15th. I have felt very lonely today sewing a little
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Thursday 16th. a rainy day I spent most of the day in the sugar
bush sugaring off raining quite fast in the evening we have two
hundred weight of sugar and
Friday 17th. a dull miserable looking day I was sewing at my
quilt in the afternoon commenced another one
Saturday 18th. a lovely day Mr. Baxter came in the afternoon
brought the mail a letter & paper for Esther I received a letter
from Harry which was very welcome & a Stirling Chronicle Esther
Anne and Richard spent the evening with us had any amount of
singing
Sunday 19th. a charming day very warm though in the morning we
all but Mother went to Meeting the text was 12th Chapter of Luke
21st verse very good sermon. In the afternoon they all but
Mother & I went down to the Moira River. I had a nice quiet time
at home they got back in the evening very tired the woods are
getting nice and dry
Monday 20th. another beautiful day the frogs have commenced
croaking doing housework as usual I feel remarkably well today
Tuesday 21st. raining a little in the morning a lovely afternoon
I took a long walk around the field beautiful walking now
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Wednesday 22nd. E & I washing
Thursday 23rd. I was ironing all day very tired at night
Friday 24th. a beautiful day in the forenoon I was doing
housework about 3 Oclock I went to the Works on Archie he is very
wild took tea at Bentleys got home at dark waited for the mail
too
Saturday 25th. cold this morning such a change since yesterday
Albert & Maggie went to the Works to a funeral Mrs Elmers little
boy five years old was drowned in the river on Thursday beautiful
day quite cool though was busy all the felt so tired at
night. Albert got home in the evening. Maggie remained over
night. Mr. Preston preached the funeral sermon the Roman
Catholics did not like it
Sunday 26th. a nice looking day but miserable walking it is so
windy. E.G. Albert & I walked as far as Hatts (sic) Hill to meet
Maggie a warm breeze today Maggie got home at 3 Oclock Henry &
Kate Bentley brought her home in a one horse waggon they remained
till the evening & then drove home
Monday 27th. a lovely day I made a goribaldi (sic) for Richard I
feel rather lonely today Albert went to Stirling this morning &
came home again
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Tuesday 28th. lovely day
Wednesday 29th. Thursday 30th. Albert commenced sowing grain a
warm day. E. & Maggie away a day to Sprys I had all the work to
do Mr. & Mrs. Spry were here to tea and remained all night.
Biddy Green came to hire Mother would not have her. This is a
charming day. I was working in the garden a little. This is
very dry weather have not had but one rain storm this month. I
wonder what change there will be before the last of next April
May 1863
Friday 1st. This is really a beautiful May day. The boys are
very busy in the fields plowing, sowing & dragging. About 4
Oclock I started to the Works on horseback went as far as Hayes
waited for the mail took tea at Bentleys with Angeline got home
before dark. The woods are beautiful & dry. I rode Archie & he
was perfectly wild coming home I felt very tired holding him
Saturday 2nd. quite windy after I got through cleaning I made
pies & two kinds of cakes I felt disapointed at night because I
expected a certain person & he did not come
Sunday 3rd. Maggies 18th Birthday. In the morning we all went
to preaching Mr. Baxters text was not thy thyself of
tomorrow for thou knoweth not what a day may bring forth. I was
in the house all the afternoon and spent it very pleasantly
12a·
reading. We milk eight cows ever plenty of work to do
Monday 4th. a cold disagreeable day I was very ill all the
forenoon
Tuesday 5th. D.F. spent this day with us
Wednesday 6th. doing housework & gardening Mr. Baxter stopped
stopped all night
Thursday 7th. Esther & I washing I was working in the garden in
the afternoon sewing at Maggies dress a little
Friday 8th. a very warm day a fearful fire in the woods in front
of the house we can scarcely see for the smoke I feel lonely
tonight such a large ironing today I do not feel the least bit
tired tonight E. went to the Works after dinner to stop a few
days we need rain very much at present
Saturday 9th. fearful fires about here I had a great deal of
work to do all the cleaning & cakes to make & C. Angeline came
home with E. at dark
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Sunday 10th. a beautiful day we took a walk in the morning
reading & singing the rest of the time. Henry Bentley &
Bowen were here to tea I wel 1 remember a year ago to-night I feel
lonely & disapointed
Monday 11th. rained all last night and all day today first rain
we have had for six weeks I was sewing at Marias dress we have
laughed so much over Angeline
Tuesday 12th. rained all day E. & I washed got through at noon
Angeline & I had a nice down the Creek at the evening we
all laughed so much at night
Wednesday 13th. Angeline left after dinner I was making
strawberries (sic)
Thursday 14th. Friday 15th. rained a little both days
Saturday 16th. Maggie & I were very busy all day E. was very bad
with a sore face. She did not do anything. I feel very tired
this evening. We have got to milk yet. We had a nice thunder
shower this afternoon the rain has done a great deal of good. I
made pies, cakes, cleaned & done sewing & done several other
things
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Sunday 17th. Mr. Whitmarsh preached at the Works in the morning
Albert Maggie & I took dinner at Bentleys a lot of them walked as
far as Heaths Hill with us Angeline, Caroline Rose & Norman Brady
came all the way took tea & then went home. It has been a cold
windy day
Monday 18th. another windy disageeable day.· Was doing the house
work most of the day sewing the flounces on my dress the rest of
the time. I feel miserable today. The mosquitoes commenced
today
Tuesday 19th. Wednesday 20th. busy as usual doing house work
milking, feeding calves. Nine cows to milk, xxcc.
Thursday 21st. a very warm day r received a paper from Harry
with Mrs. Foulds death & her brother John McGregor was drowned at
sea when the Anglo Saxon was wrecked. We quilted a quilt this
week. Maggie has a paper from Charley 8.
Thursday 21st. Friday 22nd.
finished their spring work
Working very hard as usual the boys
Saturday 23rd. a very hot day I have suffered with the heat
today had a great deal of work to do too. E. & Albert went out
to the Works on horseback after tea. I feel rather lonely today
131
Sunday 24th. Queen's Birthday. Very warm & the mosquitoes are
awfully thick I didn't spent a very agreeable day it is too very
warm. E.A.B. & Caroline Rose took dinner here I was reading most
of the day
Monday 23rd. Bill Jenkinson is doing the white washing today we
are all very busy doing the housecleaning done the kitchen &
drawing (sic) room
Tuesday 26th. we cleaned the parlor today I felt tired a little
at night & the flies such torments they make me feel savage.
TWO PAGES OF HANDWRITTEN VERSE
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